Near-miss: Person almost fell from height during anchor chain preparations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 12 October 2016
- Generated on 10 July 2025
- IMCA SF 27/16
- 2 minute read
The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) has published the following safety alert regarding a near miss during preparation to load anchor chain into a moon pool chain locker.
What happened?
One person almost fell into the chain locker. The hatch cover had been temporarily removed before the installation of the chain guide. The hatch had an opening of 155cm x 85cm. The depth of the locker was approximately 10m and there was 1-1.5m of water at the bottom.
The person fell backwards, with the upper part of his body towards the opening of the hatch. He managed to turn slightly over to his right side and grab onto the edge around the hatch opening with both hands. His ankles and the lower part of his feet were also above the edge of the hatch opening. He managed to get his right elbow over the edge. He shouted for help twice before getting the attention of his colleagues.
The MSF notes that the near miss occurred because:
- The hatch had been left open without a barrier.
- The fact that the hatch had been opened was not sufficiently communicated.
- Risk assessment and planning for the work, given the risks involved, was neither suitable nor sufficient.
A similar hatch
Reconstruction of area of near miss
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.