MSF: Potential dropped object
The Marine Safety Forum has published Safety Alert 21-08 relating to a potential dropped object which was found during lifting operations between a vessel and a platform.
What Happened
A metal plate of size 25 x 17 x 6cm, weighing 1.6kg, was found inside a forklift pocket hole on a 10′ container when the container was landed onto a platform from a vessel. The MSF noted that the size and weight of the plate meant that this potential dropped object could have been life-threatening had it hit someone.
What went wrong?
The MSF noted that “one of the possible reasons that this particular plate may have been washed from its position within the main deck could have been that it was quite badly buckled or bent. This could have enabled water breaking onto the vessel’s main deck, to work beneath the plate to lift it.”
What are the actions?
Check pin post/lifting point plates, to ensure:
- that they are not buckled;
- that they fit correctly;
- that they can be secured appropriately.
Members may wish to refer to:
Safety Event
Published: 16 June 2021
Download: 
IMCA SF 17/21
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall 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.