Activity
Working at Height
Work where a person could fall a distance liable to cause injury.
Newest 100 Documents
All 364 in search- 202628 Jul
Man overboard from the bulk carrier World Prize with the loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a bosun’s fatal fall into the sea during combination-ladder rigging on World Prize. It analyses normalised unsafe practices, ineffective supervision, permit compliance, incompatible flotation and harness equipment, and radio shortages. Pilot-boat recovery capability and training gaps are examined alongside subsequent corrective actions; no recommendations were made.
- 202628 Apr
Failure of moonpool railing system caused man overboard situation in moonpool
A degraded removable railing post failed when a crew member lost balance beside a moonpool. They caught a guidewire and were rescued with a boathook, sustaining a dislocated shoulder. The flash examines inspection omissions, unclear responsibilities and ineffective hazard follow-up, recommending secured barriers, preventive maintenance and pre-task assessment of barrier failure.
- 202615 Apr
Death of seafarer due to fall from crane cabin
A seafarer cleaning a cargo crane cabin on an anchored vessel fell 12 m to the deck and died. The investigation identified probable window seal failure following removal of protective grating. Possible corrosion and glass weakening are discussed, alongside lessons on barrier integrity, structural inspection, routine-task risk assessment and warning signage.
- 202617 Mar
Failure of A-frame fold-down platform
A hinged A-frame platform failed during sheave-block load checks aboard a vessel alongside for mobilisation, leaving a crew member suspended in their harness with minor injuries. The flash identifies missing cotter pins, hinge design flaws and galvanic corrosion, alongside omitted change management, scheduled maintenance and platform inspections.
- 202613 Feb
BSEE: Miscommunication and trapped pressure causes injury during valve maintenance
An offshore valve-maintenance incident injured a worker when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange. This flash summarises BSEE findings on incomplete authorisation, inadequate isolation verification, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations emphasise confirming zero stored energy, reviewing task assessments, following manufacturer instructions and considering two-person working.
- 202622 Jan
Fall from a pilot ladder while attempting to board the cargo vessel Finnhawk from the pilot vessel Humber Saturn with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal pilot boarding accident involving Finnhawk and Humber Saturn. A probable cardiac event preceded the fall, while recovery-platform failure left the injured pilot partially immersed for over 40 minutes. The report examines medical fitness assessment, hydraulic defects, maintenance, cold-water protection and rescue training.
- 2026
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 82 (Spring 2026)
Maritime reports examine solvent use in bilges, navigation audit findings, refused fuel-tank entry, twin-lanyard misuse and obstructed pilot access. Further cases address partial power loss linked to an unannounced software update and pressure over navigation decisions. Commentary emphasises equipment limitations, safe attachment, supplier communication and supportive bridge leadership.
- 20253 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert - 509 - Miscommunication and Trapped Pressure Causes Injury
An offshore contractor was injured when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange during control-valve maintenance. The alert identifies unverified isolation, missing authorisation, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations address zero-energy verification, collaborative job safety analysis, operational support, fall protection and adherence to manufacturer procedures.
- 2025Dec
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 8 (December 2025)
Superyacht incident reports examine a failed mooring attachment, captain harassment, generator starter battery explosions, collision at anchor, unsafe pilot boarding arrangements, unprotected work aloft and defective life rafts. Commentary discusses battery capacity and ventilation, engineering handovers, equipment servicing and testing, reporting concerns and organisational safety culture.
- 202527 Oct
Injury after fall from vertical ladder
A crew member carrying a fire patrol device lost grip while climbing a vertical ladder and suffered a minor eyebrow cut after striking a steel bund. The flash examines inadequate ladder design and routine-task risk awareness, identifying possible ladder extensions, anti-slip paint, carrying aids and pre-task discussions.
- 20252 Oct
Crane cab access platform collapsed
A vessel crane’s cab access platform collapsed as the operator climbed the ladder, causing a fall partially mitigated by its enclosure without injury. Hidden weld cracking and corrosion caused the failure. The flash questions inspection access, alternative testing and contractor oversight, and stresses surface preparation before repainting.
- 2025Jul
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 10
Six superyacht reports examine dismissed safety concerns, inconsistent fall protection, unsafe pilot boarding, crew abandonment, a mooring-line injury and chemical burns. Commentary addresses leadership, reporting protection, procedural compliance and task risk assessment. An appended flag-state flyer reinforces safe working at height, equipment training and intervention in unsafe work.
- 202516 Apr
Fatality following a fall from a wind turbine
A safety flash describes a fatal five-metre fall at Kilgallioch Wind Farm in Scotland, where the worker had not connected his harness to a fall arrest system. Inquiry recommendations address rehearsed rescue arrangements, suitable casualty stretchers and consideration of technology to warn colleagues when someone disconnects from fall protection.
- 2025Apr
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 9 (April 2025)
This superyacht incident digest examines a post-dry-dock fire, unsuitable crew accommodation during repairs, drug use, inadequate provision for working aloft, a falling crane hook, fatigued anchoring and unrecognised enclosed spaces. Commentary addresses safety culture, equipment readiness, familiarisation, design feedback and atmospheric testing.
- 20256 Mar
Person fell in engine room and injured head
An oiler working alone suffered head injuries after a pipe used to reposition a heavy cylinder head slipped, causing him to fall backwards from an unprotected elevated area. The flash highlights underestimated task complexity, familiarity and inadequate lever insertion, and recommends barriers, serious toolbox talks and avoiding lone working where possible.
- 202520 Feb
LTI: Fall from height during FRC maintenance
A mechanic reinstalling a fast rescue boat engine on a laid-up vessel lost balance while standing on a cable-covering pipe and fell 2.33 m to the main deck, fracturing his left leg. The flash identifies absent fall protection, risk assessment, toolbox discussion and supervision, and stresses planning and stop-work authority.
- 20256 Feb
MAIB: Step-ladder failure (LTI)
A crew member fell when a folding stepladder’s top-step support welds failed, sustaining back and head injuries. MAIB considered pre-existing damage almost certain; the ladder was not overloaded. The flash stresses thorough pre-use inspection, equipment upkeep and a just culture supporting honest incident reporting.
- 202523 Jan
Safety Flashes – a review of 2024
Reviews IMCA’s 2024 Safety Flashes, covering 88 member-shared events and 33 drawn from public sources. Highlights line-of-fire exposure, hand and finger injuries, bypassed safety controls, lifting, working at height, equipment failures and dropped objects. Includes a reference list of the year’s flashes and reinforces stop-work authority.
- 202417 Dec
LTI: fall from height during anchor chain handling operation
A bosun on an anchor handling tug supply vessel fell through a gap between chain barriers while passing a tugger wire, landing 2.75 m below and sustaining fractures. The flash identifies unstable footing and inadequate task assessment, and recommends secure access, detailed risk assessment, crew communication and stronger supervision.
- 202415 Nov
Safety Alert 492 - Fall Protection Self-Retracting Lanyard
BSEE describes two falls involving self-retracting lanyards: an approximately 90-foot fall with an incorrectly rigged belay, and a swinging fall involving an offset anchor point. It recommends that operators and contractors consider system angle limits, pre-use inspections, functional checks, job safety analysis, current training and site-specific rescue planning.
- 202411 Nov
BSEE: person fell through open hatch
A worker injured his leg and knee after falling through a hatch opening whose damaged cover had been removed. This flash summarises BSEE findings on situational awareness, fall protection and hazard communication, alongside measures operators and contractors should consider, where appropriate, including barricades, safety gates and spotters.
- 202424 Oct
UK HSE: Incident during rig decommissioning leads to fatality
An IMCA flash summarises HSE findings from gas-rig dismantling ashore. A skirt pile weighing more than 27 tonnes struck a mobile elevating work platform, throwing two workers to ground about 12 metres below. One died; another sustained life-changing injuries. Findings highlight inadequate planning, risk assessment and supervision, with no cutting plan or safe system of work.
- 202427 Sep
Fall from height on bulk carrier Equinox Seas with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines a fitter’s fatal fall of approximately 10 m through an engine room ventilation trunk aboard Equinox Seas during shipyard maintenance. It identifies inadequate barriers, unassessed fan-removal risks and poor safety coordination, and discusses permit systems, hazard communication and improvements to ship repair safety management.
- 202425 Sep
UK HSE: fall from height injury at container port
A worker undertaking routine maintenance at a container port fell over 10 metres through an opening in a straddle carrier cab, sustaining serious injuries. Contractors had removed the glass floor for replacement. The flash highlights failures in simultaneous-work coordination, risk assessment and implementation of the employer’s working-at-height permit policy.
- 202419 Sep
Injury to person during deck crane operations on board survey and supply vessel Kommandor Orca
This investigation examines a second officer’s leg injury during rail-mounted crane operations aboard Kommandor Orca at Portland. It analyses use of emergency-only local controls, entanglement in unguarded rack and pinion gearing, deficient vessel-specific procedures and training, and overlooked hazards. Company actions included remote operation, revised procedures and additional guarding.
- 20245 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 489 - Situational Awareness Pre-Job Assessment
An offshore worker injured his leg and knee after falling through an opening on a blowout preventer work platform where a damaged hatch cover had been removed. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider pre-job hazard checks, communication, suitable fall protection, barricades and continued reassessment of changing surroundings.
- 202429 Aug
LTI – person fell from step ladder
A worker maintaining a tool aboard a vessel lost balance when the vessel pitched and fell from an unsecured two-step ladder, fracturing a rib. The flash identifies inadequate risk mitigations and insufficiently robust equipment, and describes securing access equipment and a planned fabricated access point to replace the temporary ladder.
- 202429 Aug
Non-fatal man overboard: worker fell from height into the sea
During installation of a new jacket, a worker fell into the sea from almost 3 m and was recovered unharmed. Required temporary platform and handrails were absent, but work continued. The flash describes a safety stand down, a request to install the protection, and updates to task documentation.
- 2024Aug
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 7 (August 2024)
Six superyacht reports examine tender lifting-point failure, fouled anchors near a lee shore, an open shell door, a fall during window cleaning and unsafe diving arrangements. Commentary emphasises thorough risk assessment, properly completed work permits, reliable equipment, crew communication and isolation during underwater maintenance.
- 20242 Jul
UK MAIB: A slip into the hold
A cargo-vessel crew member fell into a hold while repositioning a single-lanyard safety hook to reach a bulkhead locking bolt, sustaining an open upper-arm fracture. The flash highlights inadequate lighting, incomplete working-at-height risk assessments and missing casualty recovery arrangements, with treatment at the scene lasting over an hour before hospital transfer.
- 2024May
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 6 (Summer 2024)
This superyacht incident digest examines watertight door failures, a starting battery explosion, a galley fire, unprotected window cleaning and steering loss. Commentary addresses alarm visibility, towing checks, battery maintenance, heat lamp safeguards, crew numbers and the independence of the designated person ashore.
- 202430 Apr
Near miss: dislodged grating with potential fall to sea
A vessel welder recovered without injury after GRP grating tipped and fell 5.5 m into the sea. Incorrectly secured clips, missing design clips and an unnoticed overhang were identified. The flash describes maintenance and checklist changes, future DROPS surveys, design guidance and approval requirements for grating modifications.
- 202419 Feb
Hot work whilst working at height in a confined space – job was stopped
A contractor’s welder was observed flame-cutting inside a vessel’s ballast tank on a wooden platform over 1.80 m high, without fall protection. Work was stopped and a harness, inertia reel and tripod arrangement introduced temporarily. The flash identifies missing permits, an unreviewed risk assessment and inadequate supervision.
- 20248 Feb
Fall overboard from fishing vessel Eder Sands with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal fall overboard during net shooting west of Ireland. The report examines unguarded working positions, undocumented procedures and inadequate risk assessments. Lifejacket trials support the probable loss of a loosely fitted lifejacket. Recommendations address flotation-device suitability, correct wearing, vessel-specific procedures and consideration of personal locator beacons.
- 202422 Jan
Person injured going down ladder
A worker descending a fixed carousel manhole ladder lost his footing and fell approximately 87 cm. His helmet came off and his head struck a steel structure. The flash discusses possible contributions from misjudgement, an unsecured chinstrap and poor lighting, and records lighting improvements and reminders to secure PPE correctly.
- 20244 Jan
Rig worker falls while descending derrick ladder
A worker slipped while descending a derrick ladder after untying a lashed double stand of drill pipe. The worker had connected a full-body harness to the fall-arrest system’s cable sleeve before descending, but fell 6–7 ft (approximately 2 m) onto an intermediate platform.
- 2024
CHIRP Annual Digest 2024
This annual compilation brings together anonymised maritime incident reports and commentary on crew welfare, vessel design, engineering, deck work and navigation. Cases examine enclosed-space entry, mooring injuries, pilot ladders, machinery hazards and groundings. Discussion emphasises leadership, communication, work permits, training and lessons for conventional and autonomous vessel operations.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 74 (Spring 2024)
This maritime digest examines tug and barge safety, dry-ice asphyxiation, leaking bunker connections, sulphur-emission non-compliance, a fall during mast work, lift-maintenance hazards and open cargo hatches at sea. Commentary addresses leadership, familiarisation, ventilation, permits to work and verified isolation, alongside design shortcomings and protection for confidential reporters.
- 202318 Dec
LTI – Finger crushed whilst operating safety gate
A crew member suffered a serious finger injury while raising a hinged fall protection bar to access a crane pedestal platform. His finger became trapped between the bar and handrail at 180 degrees. The flash reports an ongoing investigation, an immediate review of similar arrangements and alternative gates for consideration.
- 202316 Oct
Uncertified bosun’s chairs
Management visits identified three cases of crew-made wooden-board and rope supports for painting and repairs at height on vessels. The flash highlights poor hazard recognition, procedural awareness and inspection, alongside unresolved previous findings. Unsafe equipment was destroyed and arrangements introduced for suitably designed, certified fall-arrest and man-riding equipment.
- 202316 Oct
Unprotected openings in floor grating – work stopped
Grating removal on a horizontal lay system exposed an opening through which someone could have fallen. Work was stopped without injury or dropped objects. The flash identifies underestimated height risks, absent work authorisation and unclear instructions, and describes supervision improvements and assessment of accessible lifting points to avoid removing grating.
- 20233 Oct
Rope access technician slipped and dislocated shoulder
A rope access technician dislocated his right shoulder after slipping from a wet vessel platform handrail and falling approximately 1 m while still connected to ropes. The flash identifies inadequate risk planning and assessment, and describes detailed job safety analysis, a subcontractor safety stand-down and refresher training.
- 202312 Sep
Fall from pilot ladder
During a pre-departure man overboard drill at a shipyard, a Chief Officer fell about 2 m onto a lifeboat after an unsecured pilot ladder slid downwards. He sustained minor bruising. The flash stresses secure ladder installation, officer checks and crew familiarisation with deployment, securing and stowage procedures.
- 202312 Sep
Fatality due to fire incident and fall from height
A rope access technician undertaking pipelay tower maintenance suffered a fatal fall from approximately 8.5 m after welding particles ignited solvent and fire melted the body harness. The flash examines independently authorised, conflicting work and highlights coordinated permits, shared planning, whole-operation supervision and effective stop-work authority.
- 202329 Aug
Getting fall arrest equipment right
A crew member replacing mast lamp bulbs around 4 m above a vessel’s deck wore fall arrest equipment under a permit to work. The assessment overlooked equipment length and the lanyard’s minimum 6 m clearance marking. No fall or injury occurred; the flash stresses correct fall arrest calculations.
- 202315 Aug
LTI – Person fractured pelvis in a fall from a ladder
A crew member fractured his pelvis after slipping from a temporary cargo-hold access ladder aboard a cargo vessel. The flash examines blocked permanent access, an unprotected platform edge, absent risk assessment and change management, and unchallenged subcontractor standards. Actions address contractor assurance, supervision, stop-work authority and safe access.
- 202329 Jun
Person overboard from stern trawler Copious with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard from Copious during a trawl-gear repair on the aft bulwark. It examines inadequate risk assessment, cold-water incapacitation, incorrect lifejacket fit and unsuccessful recovery. Analysis highlights limitations of the Markusnet arrangements and drills for unconscious casualties, alongside subsequent owner actions and regulatory recommendations.
- 202312 May
Process Explosion Causes Medical Evacuation
Two offshore workers installing a skillet in pipework suffered smoke inhalation and burning sensations after opening a flange. The investigation identified absent purging or flushing and unrecognised potential pyrophoric materials. BSEE recommends considering fire and explosion management plans and procedures addressing ignition sources, oxygen ingress and fuel.
- 202320 Apr
Dropped spanner falls 15 m
A spanner detached from its tool lanyard during hydraulic hose replacement outside protective netting and fell 15 metres to a deck. Nobody was injured. The flash examines worn carabiner threads, unauthorised additional work and barrier weaknesses, and describes actions on inspection, maintenance, work limits and dropped-object exclusion areas.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 3 (Summer 2023)
Superyacht incident reports examine missing atmospheric testing equipment, tender lifting-eyebolt failure, an unsafe hull inspection dive, a fall following release of a securing shackle, and an anchoring near miss. Commentary addresses enclosed-space entry, lifting-point specifications, risk assessment, supervision, authority gradients and communication during anchor handling.
- 20222 Dec
Failure of a suspended buoy on workboat Annie E with 1 person injured
Investigation of a grid buoy failure that injured a deckhand aboard Annie E at a Scottish fish farm. It examines worn components, a missing washer, unsuitable lifting arrangements, inspection omissions and exposure beneath a suspended load. Manufacturer instructions, work procedures, induction and fall prevention are assessed; subsequent actions prompted no recommendations.
- 20223 Nov
Vertical Ladder Fall Arrest Carrier Cable Parted From Derrick Crown
A floorman used a vertical ladder fall arrest system to access a derrick crown for greasing. After completing the task and attaching the fall arrest sleeve for descent, the carrier cable parted from its top bracket, passed through the sleeve and came to rest on the drawworks roof.
- 2022Sep
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 68 (September 2022)
Maritime incident digest examining unsafe work aloft, a timber-cargo overboard casualty, fatal crane-access falls, engine maintenance, navigation errors, tug capsizing and flooding, hot-fuel burns and an eye injury. Commentary addresses continuous harness connection, rescue planning, towage competence, watertight closures, maintenance programmes and accountability during permitted work.
- 202212 May
Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders
This safety flash highlights Ladder Association guidance LA455 for workplace use of portable leaning ladders and stepladders. It summarises equipment suitability, stable positioning, securing, pre-use checks and inspection records. Alternative equipment is recommended where a task would require more than 30 minutes at a time on a ladder.
- 2022May
Mast climbing work platforms: Failure to detect mechanical failure in drive units leading to uncontrolled fall of platforms
HSE alerts users to undetected drive-unit faults that could allow mast climbing work platforms to descend uncontrollably. It calls for immediate checks and withdrawal where controls are absent, addressing current-demand monitoring, individual centrifugal brakes, automatic brake checks, limit switches, overload protection and competent periodic inspection.
- 202225 Apr
Toppled Hydraulic Workover Unit Results in Fatality
This preliminary alert describes a fatal hydraulic workover unit toppling on a Gulf of Mexico caisson. An elevated, harnessed contractor fell into the water with part of the unit. Initial observations identified a casing break; causes remained under investigation. Recommendations address structural capacity, support arrangements, fall protection design, supervision and task planning.
- 202218 Apr
Barricades and Fall Protection Will Help Prevent Injuries Even Without Open Holes Visible
This alert describes two incidents involving deteriorated deck grating: a contractor fell into water and another worker partially fell through grating. BSEE recommends that operators and contractors consider barricading suspect areas even without visible holes, using fall arrest equipment, preparing job safety analyses, communicating hazards and invoking stop-work authority.
- 20228 Apr
UK HSE: worker died following fall from crane platform
An electrician repairing gantry-crane wiring died after a walkway access panel failed beneath him. This safety flash summarises HSE findings on neglected panel maintenance, previous weld repair and the absence of evidence that the panel had been safely replaced and secured. It highlights risks from unsecured access panels.
- 20221 Apr
UK HSE: worker falls from height during oil platform decommissioning
An IMCA safety flash describes a worker’s 15-metre fall during dismantling of the Brent Bravo platform. Corroded attachment bolts and an unrecognised separate platform affected structural integrity. The HSE investigation identified a missing full structural appraisal before demolition, with implications for risk assessment and the cutting method.
- 202211 Mar
Fatal fall from collapsing scaffolding on a merchant vessel
A sailor died after scaffolding and a crane maintenance platform collapsed aboard a merchant vessel. Seriously corroded securing bolts failed under load, while his harness lanyard snapped. The flash identifies shortcomings in risk assessment, supervision, scaffold configuration, work instructions, harness maintenance and training.
- 202228 Feb
MSF: LTI – Fall from Height (control of work during SIMOPS)
A crew member fell 3 m through removed gantry grating during vessel superstructure maintenance, in an incident classified as a lost-time injury. The flash identifies ineffective work-control systems, poor situational awareness and communication, and absent barriers or signage. Actions address simultaneous operations planning, pre-task risk assessment and toolbox talks.
- 202210 Feb
Equipment on quay damaged when vessel started listing
A quayside pad-eye inspection using a mobile elevated work platform resulted in basket handrail damage when crane movement caused the vessel to list and its pipelay tower to strike the basket. The flash identifies missing work authorisation, inadequate simultaneous-operations assessment and operator training, and recommends coordinated planning and practised rescue arrangements.
- 202210 Jan
Hazards When Replacing Grating
This alert describes fatal, man-overboard and near-miss incidents involving compromised grating. It explains how ripping, needle or chisel gunning and removal of anchor welds can reduce load capacity. BSEE recommends considering personnel training, staged replacement procedures and preventative maintenance, stressing that visual judgement cannot establish deteriorated grating’s integrity.
- 202210 Jan
LTI: Person fell down hatch inside crane pedestal
During inspection inside an offshore crane pedestal, an engineer fell through a hatch after its unsecured cover shifted and tipped into the room below. Foot and back bruising required several weeks of rest. The flash identifies poor cover design and highlights testing and securing similar hatch covers against unintended movement.
- 202122 Oct
Floorman arm pinned by Pipe Handling Equipment
This partial incident account describes a drilling crew running the drill string into a primary well. Pipe handling equipment moved stands from the fingerboard to well centre while floormen operated fingers manually. A floorman was securing an open finger latch at upper derrick level; the supplied excerpt ends before describing the incident.
- 202111 Aug
All of a sudden – “this is not a drill” – person injured during a drill
A vessel crew member lost consciousness while being lifted during a rescue-at-height drill involving suspension in a safety harness. The flash discusses possible suspension trauma, uncertainty over whether distress was simulated, and prompt first aid. It emphasises assessing drill risks and using suspension trauma relief straps while awaiting rescue.
- 202130 Mar
Dropped object – Steel deck plate falls from pipelay tower
A steel deck plate fell 9 m during pipelay tower inspection on a vessel in dry dock. Corroded, incorrectly specified bolts and inadequate support were identified in an undocumented modification. Nobody was hurt; barriers protected the drop zone. The flash recommends routine inspection of elevated plates and fixings, and controlled equipment modifications.
- 20214 Mar
Bypassing safety controls – violation of working at height requirements
This flash describes hull painting in dry dock using a shipyard crane and personnel basket without supplied safety harnesses or valid equipment test certificates. Work was stopped and certified equipment provided. Preliminary findings identify unclear oversight and failures to follow agreed requirements; actions address pre-docking checks and shipyard–contractor bridging agreements.
- 20214 Mar
Three man overboard fatalities
This safety flash summarises two bulk-carrier incidents involving three fatalities. Waves washed two crew members overboard while they secured mooring ropes; a bosun drowned while rigging a combination pilot ladder in darkness. It highlights absent lifejackets and securing arrangements, an unsuccessful search, and stopping work when in doubt.
- 20218 Feb
Fall from Platform Results in a Fatality
Two employees fell approximately 80 feet into the ocean when a cementitious moisture-barrier layer shattered during platform galley floor repairs; one later died. With its investigation ongoing, BSEE recommends that operators and contractors consider checking similar designs for danger and barricading work areas to restrict access.
- 202016 Dec
Unexpected truck movement caused rigger to fall off a ladder
A rigger bruised his leg after a container truck moved while he was removing its final chain hook from a ladder. The flash identifies missing driver briefing, incomplete risk assessment and non-use of the permitted work platform, and calls for clearer communication and formal work controls for third-party drivers.
- 202010 Nov
Falls from step ladders
Two step-ladder falls injured a crewman and a forklift operator during descent. The accounts identify unsecured or unstable ladders, uneven decking, damage and missing task safeguards. The flash highlights pre-use checks, routine inspection, quarantine of damaged ladders, risk assessment, toolbox talks and stable positioning.
- 202023 Jun
Fall from a height into a ballast tank
A welder helper fell through a tween-deck opening while accessing work inside a vessel’s ballast tank. The flash identifies inadequate route assessment, job-specific permit shortcomings and a late team change. It describes safer access, revised confined-space risk assessments, retraining and renewed emphasis on stop-work authority; the cause of the fall remains unknown.
- 202023 Jun
Man overboard from stinger
An electrician checking a stinger camera on a vessel alongside in port fell about two metres through an opening in the grating into the water. He reached a pre-deployed lifebuoy and was recovered with minor scratches. The flash examines deferred repairs, unverified work controls and failures to reassess unsafe conditions.
- 202018 Jun
Safety Alert 389 - Fatality Caused By Freefalling Pipe Underscores the Need to Adhere to Safety and Environmental Management Systems & Safe Work Practices
A contractor died when manila rope parted while lowering a cut firewater pipe on a Gulf of Mexico facility. The alert examines deficient task analysis, scaffolding arrangements, supervision and hazard communication. BSEE recommends operators consider stronger training, safe-work compliance, stop-work intervention and safety documents in languages workers understand.
- 202022 May
Fall from Height Leading to Injury
A bosun slipped and fell 2.5 m to a vessel’s deck during FRC stowage following davit wire replacement, injuring his ankle. The flash examines an uneven, unguarded area and missed fall hazards in work planning. Actions included revised job safety analysis, fall-protection signage and hazard hunts by unfamiliar personnel.
- 202031 Mar
Worker fell from height and suffered life changing injuries
A stevedore unloading a merchant vessel at Hull fell 3.4 metres into its hold and was paralysed from the waist down. His jacket snagged on an eyebolt while he stepped across a walkway’s ladder gap. The flash describes customary gap-crossing and highlights planning effective fall-prevention measures.
- 20206 Mar
Near miss: Failure of work procedures during hot work at height
A vessel Master spotted welding beside an unsecured edge during installation of access support plates in the port-side davit area. Despite a permit, risk assessment and toolbox talk, height hazards remained unaddressed. Welding was stopped and extra fall prevention installed; the account highlights inadequate assessment and acceptance of a supposedly quick task.
- 201912 Nov
Petzl Pixa lights as potential dropped objects
This safety flash identifies a potential dropped-object hazard involving Petzl Pixa lights on newer Vertex helmets. Supplied mounting plates could creep out of helmet slots. It recommends checking attachment security and, where plates fit poorly, permits use of the supplied elastic band or Pixadapt installed to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- 201917 Sep
Fatal fall from height on-board Seatruck Pace in Liverpool in December 2018
A crewman preparing to paint a ramp hatch cover on Seatruck Pace died after falling 4.5 metres through the hatch. He had crossed a temporary safety barrier for undetermined reasons. The flash discusses risk tolerance, procedural adherence and owners’ actions on barriers, work permits, harness records, training and safety culture.
- 201923 Aug
LTI – Fall from height
A subcontracted service engineer returned to a vessel mast to retrieve tools without fall protection. During final radar testing, the rotating antenna struck him, causing a fall onto a lifeboat roof and multiple fractures. The flash highlights communication failures, subcontractor oversight, job preparation and safety culture.
- 201916 Jul
Near miss: Dropped magnet during dry docking
During dry docking, a magnet securing fire protection fell 32 m from scaffolding while the protection was adjusted during hot work. No injuries or damage occurred. The flash identifies absent secondary retention and barriers below the worksite, and calls for identifying equipment used at height and suitable dropped-object controls.
- 20195 Jul
Sprained ankle whilst climbing on equipment
A crewman sprained his ankle after slipping from a cable rack inside an offshore wind turbine transition piece. The rack was unsuitable for climbing, and access had not been addressed in the risk assessment or procedure. Lessons emphasise safe access, appropriate ladders and platforms, and stopping work when safe access cannot be established.
- 20192 Jul
Fall from height on ro-ro freight vessel Seatruck Pace with loss of 1 life
This investigation examines an assistant bosun’s fatal fall through an open hatch aboard Seatruck Pace in Liverpool. It analyses temporary edge barriers, trailer trestle use during hatch-cover maintenance, risk assessments and permit arrangements. The report identifies weaknesses in safety culture and records management actions; no recommendations were made.
- 20194 Jun
Safety Alert 353 - Offshore Employees Fall Through Grating and Open Hole
This alert describes two offshore incidents involving displaced grating and a mistakenly lifted well hatch cover. One operator was missing; another employee fell approximately 90 feet to a lower deck. With causes still under investigation, BSEE recommends inspections and consideration of barricades, hole watches, secure flooring, fall protection and task-specific hazard analysis.
- 201913 Feb
BSEE: Worker injured in fall from height into water
A mechanic replacing a platform crane valve lost grip or footing while descending a ladder and fell into water approximately 24 m below. The flash discusses missing fall protection, non-use of a required work vest and an incomplete job safety analysis, alongside recommendations on procedures, competence and response planning.
- 201928 Jan
Confined space entry: Person overcome by fumes and rendered unconscious
A vessel crew member cleaning a faulty sewage-tank sensor was overcome by hydrogen sulphide, lost consciousness and fell from a fixed rack to the deck. The flash identifies failures in risk assessment, work authorisation, atmospheric checks and maintenance procedures, and reinforces safe systems of work and awareness of gas hazards.
- 201819 Nov
Safety Alert 343 - Working at Heights - Near or Over Water
A crane mechanic fell 81 feet into water while moving onto a ladder during anti-two block control valve replacement. He wore neither fall protection nor a work vest, and the JSA omitted the fall hazard. BSEE recommends operators consider reviewing elevated-work procedures, personnel competence and rescue planning.
- 201810 Sep
Two serious dropped object near miss
Two near misses involved a ship’s light falling from a corroded mounting and a steel pin falling from a tower. Findings highlight uncorrected defects, inadequate task planning and unsecured tools. Recommendations address defect rectification, tool retention, work-at-height risk assessment, barrier positioning and inspection arrangements before vessel hire.
- 2018Aug
Life-Saving Rules (IOGP Report 459)
Introduces nine revised Life-Saving Rules for oil and gas workers, supported by analysis of reported fatalities from 2008–2017. Explains organisational conditions for implementation, leadership commitment, ongoing engagement and integration with existing management systems. Provides guidance on hazardous activities, work authorisation, energy isolation and personal safeguards.
- 201811 Jul
Preventing unauthorised access onto scaffolding and other work platforms
HSE alert addressing public access to construction scaffolds, particularly by children, and associated falls from height. It sets out site assessment, perimeter and local fencing, bottom-lift ladder removal and ladder-guard requirements. It also addresses scaffold contracts, security reviews and maintaining designated fire escape routes from occupied buildings.
- 201822 Jun
Two dropped object near misses
Two near misses involved timber found on a crane hoist block during a voyage and a securing pin that fell 15 m from lifting gear onto deck. The flash discusses uncertain safety-pin loss, twisted rigging, clearing the exposed area, worksite housekeeping and tool lanyards, and records introduction of a different safety pin.
- 20182 Mar
Worker fatally injured in falling from a scissor-lift platform which collided with another vehicle
A worker suffered fatal injuries after an LGV struck his scissor-lift platform, ejecting him onto a roadway from a height of 1.5 metres. The flash reports HSE findings on inadequate planning of work at height and the need to segregate it spatially or temporally from workplace transport.
- 201712 Dec
Two industrial vehicle incidents
Two industrial vehicle cases describe a delivery driver fatally crushed by an overloaded forklift overturning and an employee permanently paralysed after falling from a tar laying machine’s bonnet into its hopper. The flash highlights pedestrian separation during unloading, safe work procedures, and planning and risk assessment for work at height.
- 20179 Nov
Cargo collapse on bulk carrier Graig Rotterdam with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal timber deck cargo collapse during discharge from Graig Rotterdam at Alexandria Port. The bosun fell into an alongside barge. The report examines cargo securing, package racking strength, stevedoring practices, supervision and fall protection, while acknowledging uncertainty about how the accident occurred.
- 20175 Oct
Near miss – Grating dislodged and fell, leading to crewman slipping
During flow-line installation on an oil platform, displaced plastic grating left a gap into which a rigging crewman slipped without injury. Loosened securing clips from platform flexing were assumed to explain the failure. Actions included checking and securing grating, barriering the area and recovering the fallen section using an ROV.
- 201723 Aug
Dropped object near miss – hammer dropped from scaffolding
A scaffold erection near miss aboard a vessel involved a 1.1 kg hammer falling over 12 m, bouncing off a handrail and landing outside the barriers. Nobody was harmed. The flash examines incompatible tool retention, insufficient exclusion-zone width and contractor training, supervision and communication of procedures.
- 20172 Aug
LTI: Injury to right wrist
A vessel engineer sustained a lost-time wrist/forearm injury when a drill snagged in metal tubing, spun and struck him while working from a ladder platform. The flash discusses inadequate supervision, overlooked changes in task height and deficient work planning, including the possibility of pre-drilling at deck level.
- 201713 Jul
Fall from height – LTI
A supervisor fell 7 m through deck hatches while crew lifted equipment aboard a vessel alongside. Injuries required surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. The flash examines inadequate portable barriers, trip hazards and a generic permit to work, highlighting barrier review and task-specific permitting, with checklists suggested to help address planning lapses.
- 201713 Jul
Fall from height during yard visit
A yard worker fell 4 m while helping manually lower grating through a deck opening, fracturing his right ankle. His fall arrester was not anchored. The flash examines team organisation, language barriers, unused taglines and absent task-specific analysis, emphasising closer yard oversight and executive commitment to safety culture.