Hand injury during lift operations
- Safety Flash
- Published on 22 November 2019
- Generated on 27 March 2026
- IMCA SF 27/19
- 2 minute read
During a mechanical lifting operation using a mobile crane, the crane was required to move and set up at a new location.
What happened?
The crane outrigger stabiliser pads (1.2T x 4) used to distribute the load from the outriggers were repositioned one at a time using a counterbalance forklift truck (FLT) and placed onto timber blocks to allow the removal of the forks.
To remove the timber block from beneath the outrigger pad, the pad was attached to the elevated FLT forks/tines using two webbing slings. As the pad was being raised off the timber block, it caught on the front left tyre (FLT) causing the pad to jerk/swing.
This resulted in one of the two slings releasing, enabling the pad to drop back onto the timber block.
The employee who was in the process of retrieving the timber block from underneath the suspended pad sustained hand injuries when the pad fell.
What went wrong?
The investigation established that the activity was not adequately planned, assessed or supervised, and this resulted in the improper use of a forklift truck.
What actions were taken?
- Banned the practice ‘free rigging’ – that is, attaching ropes, chains or slings to FLT forks/tines for the purpose of below tine lifting and moving.
- In progress/pending:
- Can a removable attachment be used when there is the need to move a suspended load using an FLT? Is the FLT itself appropriate?
- Review the existing processes, procedures, risk assessments and operator competency to ensure the safety of FLT and lifting operations
- Re-evaluate the behavioural safety aspects of routine operations, including individual responsibilities to work safely and speak up to identify an unsafe act or condition.
- Can a removable attachment be used when there is the need to move a suspended load using an FLT? Is the FLT itself appropriate?
Featured Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 19/17
2 August 2017
-
-
IMCA SF 04/07
10 May 2007
-
IMCA SF 17/19
16 July 2019
-
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.