Dropped lifting beam due to parted soft strop
- Safety Flash
- Published on 3 June 2024
- Generated on 15 September 2025
- IMCA SF 11/24
- 2 minute read
During lifting operations a lifting beam weighing 4 Te was dropped from 50 cm
What happened?
During lifting operations a lifting beam weighing 4 Te was dropped from 50 cm. The incident occurred when the lifting beam was being prepared for relocation for sea fastening prior to transit. A 1 Te strop was doubled through the main lifting pad eye on the lifting beam for the relocation. When the crane started lifting the beam, the soft strop parted, and the beam fell 50 cm to deck. The deck crew kept a safe distance from the lift and no-one was injured.
What went wrong?
- The weight of the lifting beam was not checked before the relocation.
- An unidentified sharp edge on the pad eye in combination with an 1 Te soft strop (lifting a beam weighing 4 Te) caused the soft strop to part.
Our member considered that owing to the nature of the unidentified sharp edge on the pad eye, it is likely that even a higher rated soft strop would have also been severed in this operation.
What was the cause?
- Our member identified as the cause, a failure to properly assess and identify risk.
Actions taken
- Never use soft strops against straight / sharp edges.
- Any straight or sharp edges or corners identified should be protected or covered or alternate lifting arrangements identified.
- Verify the weight of objects before the lift. Always verify that lifting equipment has the capacity to lift the load in hand.
- Be ready to STOP THE JOB if you are unsure about the safest method to be used.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 23/22
24 October 2022
-
IMCA SF 10/13
25 June 2013
-
IMCA SF 09/13
18 June 2013
-
IMCA SF 17/08
3 December 2008
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.