Personnel lifting system fatality
We have learned of a fatality when a worker fell from a full body harness boatswain’s chair when ascending on a hoisting system. The initial information from the investigation team indicates that the individual fell when he became detached from the self-locked grip latch hook, similar to that depicted below. The latch on the hook depicted on the right opens outward.
The company involved has implemented a survey of all personnel hoisting and fall arrest systems seeking:
- verification that all hook components are designed and manufactured and certified for lifting personnel;
- where such hooks are used, these should be self-locking and self-closing with an inward moving latch.
Examples of such hooks are shown below.
Safety Event
Published: 1 October 2000
Download: 
IMCA SF 06/00
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.