Near miss: Lever hoist failure
- Safety Flash
- Published on 4 September 2020
- Generated on 24 August 2026
- IMCA SF 26/20
- 2 minute read
What happened?
A lever hoist failed causing a load to descend to deck in an uncontrolled manner. The near miss incident occurred when a set of 1m trenching swords were being lowered to deck. The lever hoist being used was rated to 1.6Te, more than capable of lifting the load which was approximately 200 kg in weight.
The rigging arrangement used was correct and all items of rigging had been recertified by a competent authority in recent months, including a limited load test.
What were the causes? What went wrong?
- On investigation and inspection, worn cog teeth were found. A toothed part of the gear assembly (see figure 1) was found to have excessive wear.
- This gear assembly was not visible without stripping the unit, so wear would not have been evident during pre-use checks. Strip down of a working unit would invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty and certification.
- Our member noted that a thorough examination cannot be conducted in situ and units must be taken to a workshop for full examination.
Actions
Our member took the following actions:
- Reviewed and amended the process for recertification of rigging with moving / wearing parts.
- Arranged for supply of newly certified rigging lofts on a 6-monthly basis.
- Revised internal documentation on lifting operations appropriately.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.