Control
Positive Retention and Reliable Securing
Secondary retention, securing and tethering to prevent release or dropped objects.
Newest 100 Documents
All 505 in search- 20261 Jul
Verify Riser Fin Retention Systems Before Prompts Riser-Handling Operations
Two thermoplastic fins detached during slick-riser handling, creating dropped-object near misses. Findings identified inadequate retention tension, omitted torque verification and 48-hour re-torque, deficient refurbishment and inconsistent checklists. BSEE recommends manufacturer-specified securing checks, design improvements, procedural discipline, vendor acceptance assurance and dropped-object risk assessment.
- 202614 May
High Potential Near Miss: Dropped object due to contact with crane sheave
A vessel crane near miss involved a DP beacon striking sheave protection bars, detaching with its holder and falling to the deck. Nobody was injured. The flash examines wire-mounted attachment, absent secondary retention, unconsidered management of change and inadequate access controls, highlighting crane limits and third-party equipment coordination.
- 202614 May
MSF: Fast Rescue craft (FRC) washed overboard and lost at sea
An unexpected wave washed a vessel’s fast rescue craft overboard after driving it upwards against its davit. Worn, under-dimensioned lashings tore apart, and the hook arrangement suffered impact-related deformation. The flash describes subsequent recovery, enhanced securing inspections, possible additional heavy-weather lashings and planned replacement of lashing straps.
- 202614 May
Shifting cargo and deck spill during heavy weather
During heavy-weather transit, a brine storage tank shifted approximately 0.5 m, struck a crash rail and damaged its manifold valve, spilling brine onto the deck. The flash identifies slackening lashing chains and inadequate securing, and recommends redundant lashings, impact protection for vulnerable fittings and review of weather risk assessments.
- 202614 May
Worker suffered crush injury while handling unstable steel plates
A worker holding vertically balanced steel plates sustained hand, wrist and finger fractures when a plate toppled, trapping their hand and wrist. The flash examines temporary storage, removed sea fastenings, limited workspace and inadequate task risk assessment, highlighting how local conditions and past experience shaped the work.
- 202628 Apr
Unsecured sheave pin fell from crane
A 1.3 kg sheave pin fell from a third-party crawler crane and was found on deck, with no injuries. The flash identifies incomplete assembly documentation, an undocumented configuration agreement and absent secondary retention. Lessons address configuration records, additional securing safeguards and responsibility for subcontracted equipment risks.
- 202615 Apr
BSEE: Exterior Walkway separates from temporary living quarters, putting workers at risk
An offshore accommodation walkway detached while three workers stood outside their room; all remained safe. Temporary quarters had served for 23 years, with inadequate inspections and degraded tab welds. The flash presents BSEE recommendations for operators to consider long-term design needs, revised inspection programmes and non-destructive weld testing.
- 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.
- 202617 Mar
MSF: Unsecured bulk hose near miss
An unsecured bulk hose slipped off a platform supply vessel’s deck during transfer in challenging weather, narrowly missing a crew member. The flash identifies communication problems, insufficient hose length and heavy weather as contributing factors, and stresses confirmed communications, radio maintenance and securing suitable equipment before operations.
- 202617 Mar
Unsafe handling of gas cylinders
A Chief Mate identified unsecured compressed gas cylinders on the quayside before planned gas cutting and welding during vessel maintenance. The flash discusses contractor awareness, perceived time pressure and unavailable securing arrangements, highlighting approved racks, restraint, contractor coordination and crew confidence to stop unsafe work.
- 202611 Mar
Loss of propulsion in heavy weather experienced by the passenger vessel Spirit of Discovery, leading to over 100 injuries and one fatality
Investigation of Spirit of Discovery’s repeated propulsion losses in heavy weather in the Bay of Biscay. It examines pod overspeed protection, automatic pod parking, weather routing, furniture securing and medical response. Violent vessel motion injured 115 passengers; one passenger sustained a spinal injury and died four days later.
- 20263 Mar
Dropped object: falling shim plate while lowering A-frame
A shim plate fell 15 m onto a crane cabin roof while a vessel’s A-frame was being lowered. The unsecured plates had remained in place through dirt and corrosion. The flash examines earlier modification and maintenance, missing hazard analyses, subsequent securing, and checks for components affected by changing crane inclination.
- 2026Mar
Shared G-PINCs (Mar 2026) — General
General regulatory inspection questions address facility identification, operational safety, approvals, incident reporting, engine safeguards and equipment marking. Welding and burning checks cover equipment condition, authorisation outside approved areas, fire-watch arrangements, gas surveillance and precautions around wells. Entries identify regulatory authorities and enforcement actions.
- 20265 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 513 - Exterior Walkway Separates from Temporary Living Quarters, Putting Workers at Risk
Three workers escaped harm when an offshore platform’s third-floor walkway detached from temporary living quarters used for 23 years. The alert examines inadequate welded support, corrosion, material fatigue and inspection weaknesses. BSEE recommends considering long-term use in design, revised inspection programmes and non-destructive testing alongside visual checks.
- 202622 Jan
Umbilical support frame made contact with passing vehicle on public road
An umbilical support frame wing dropped during public-road transport and struck a passing vehicle. The flash identifies missing transport brackets, assumptions about retaining pins and absent securing instructions. Actions address drawing conformity, equipment marking, mobilisation and de-mobilisation verification, planning meetings and clear instructions for those moving specialist equipment.
- 202612 Jan
High potential dropped object - cradle falls from trailer
Two cradle inserts fell from a trailer before lifting rigging was fully tensioned, with four personnel nearby but no injuries or equipment damage. The flash identifies unstable upright storage, premature removal of securing straps, deficient lift documentation and communication, and conflicting banksman duties. Lessons address lift planning and understanding load geometry.
- 202518 Dec
Dropped object – Bailout cylinder inside diving bell
During saturation diving preparations aboard a vessel, an unsecured bailout set fell approximately 2.5 metres through the bell opening, striking the Transfer Under Pressure door. Nobody was injured; the cylinder was damaged. The flash identifies deficient securing and checks, and records replacement of S-hooks, formal instructions, revised hazard analyses and retraining.
- 20254 Dec
Dropped pallet during cargo transfer
A plastic pallet carrying lubricant drums tipped and fell during a barge-to-vessel lift at an anchorage, rupturing drums and spilling oil on deck without injury or structural damage. The flash examines inadequate securing, procedural non-compliance and crew coordination, and describes improved load checks, secondary securing, toolbox meetings and supervision.
- 202527 Oct
LTI: serious injury to thumb when pipe fell during maintenance
A vessel engineer sustained partial thumb amputation when a grey water pipe fell about 1.4 m during dismantling, trapping his thumb against a supporting clamp plate. The flash examines inadequate securing and hand positioning, recommending primary and secondary retention and a workplace culture that enables staff to challenge unsafe practices.
- 202531 Jul
Container door opened during transit
A workshop container door opened during road transport back to its supplier, allowing a 36 kg cable reel to fall onto the lorry. The driver stopped safely and secured the door with straps. The flash emphasises securing contents and doors, supplier requirements and pre-mobilisation inspections.
- 20253 Jul
UK HSE: load falls from lorry and kills cyclist
A cyclist was killed when a heat exchanger weighing over 2.5 tons fell from a lorry after its load shifted on a bend and a securing strap snapped. HSE identified inadequate securing, poor-condition ratchet straps and missing load-security training and securing instructions. Lessons emphasise suitable securing equipment and trained personnel.
- 202518 Jun
Dropped object hazard: access hatch to the communication dome
A scheduled mast inspection identified a detached communication-dome hatch. Its primary securing mechanism had failed, while an undersized secondary lanyard used adhesive pads that detached. The flash recommends mechanically fixed, appropriately rated secondary retention, anti-loosening measures, planned maintenance and procedural double checks after work.
- 202522 May
EC175 B Rotor Blade Failures at Offshore Platform During Strong Winds
Investigates rotor blade failures on EC175 B G-MCSH at the Elgin platform during strong winds. A partially seized rotor brake prevented blade securing; local vertical airflow was considered to exacerbate blade sailing. The report examines maintenance, securing equipment, helideck airflow, wind reporting and flight recorder anomalies, and makes six safety recommendations.
- 202516 May
Transport Malta: fatality after steel plates fell onto crew member
This flash summarises a fatality aboard a vessel where unsecured, vertically stored steel plates tipped onto a second engineer working alone. It highlights limitations in stowage and lashing arrangements, which prevented safe use of lifting aids, and questions heavy-plate storage, unnecessary spares and arrangements for lone working.
- 202519 Mar
Finger injury during manual handling
A worker’s finger was crushed while manually manoeuvring a steel bar weighing around 100 kg during shoring disassembly at a land-based site. The bar rolled from a curved pick-ring. Lessons emphasise securing individual components against sudden movement, using appropriate lifting tools and becoming familiar with loads and equipment before starting.
- 202417 Dec
Sudden disconnection of pressurised hose
During vessel maintenance, a hose disconnected while residual water was pumped from a cofferdam at approximately 5.9–6 bar. Nobody was struck or injured. The flash identifies absent whip arrestors, missed pre-use checks and an apparently worn coupling, and recommends secondary securing, coupling inspection and sufficient onboard spares.
- 202424 Oct
AC vent unit cover dislodged and fell 1.7m
An air-conditioning vent cover detached from a capstan electrical cabinet on a pipelay tower and fell approximately 1.7 metres, without injury. Initial investigations identified galvanic corrosion of securing rivets. The flash calls for compatible fixings, checks of primary and secondary retention, and updates to dropped-object checklists and planned maintenance.
- 202425 Sep
Injury to little finger – LTI
A painter broke a little finger when an auxiliary winch drum rotated back during cleaning and trapped it against an improvised wooden securing beam. The flash examines lone execution of a two-person task and inadequate task-specific assessment, recommending suitable securing methods, appropriate permits and stopping unsafe work.
- 20243 Sep
Near miss: lift bag released unintentionally from crane hook
A lift bag detached from a crane hook at the splash-zone during a saturation dive and floated near a vessel operating in DP mode. Incorrect folding and attachment allowed buoyancy to defeat the self-locking latch. No harm occurred. The flash recommends risk assessment, rigging checks and a tool basket.
- 202414 Aug
Arm injury from metal skip cover
A crew member suffered an arm injury when an unsecured heavy skip cover closed during waste disposal on a vessel’s deck. No bones were broken, and the person returned to light duties. The flash stresses securing covers, checking closing mechanisms and considering a hazard hunt for similar conditions onboard.
- 202431 Jul
Dropped object: unsecured cargo inside box broke lose and fell
A safety flash describes unsecured cargo falling approximately 5 m onto a vessel deck during a quayside lift. A loose hydraulic ram broke its crate and destabilised the pallet assembly. Nobody was injured. Recommendations address cargo securing, competent inspection, trained lifting crews, pallet limitations and wind checks.
- 202431 Jul
Load lost from lorry on public road – inadequate securing of cargo
A lorry lost stacked hose cargo on a public road while negotiating a roundabout at low speed. Inadequate securing, unclear instructions and complacency were identified. The flash describes improved transport instructions covering securing materials, strap numbers and checking responsibilities, alongside a yard-team review of human factors.
- 202416 Jul
Equipment fell on someone’s leg causing injury
A worker cleaning a bow thruster room suffered a leg injury when an unsecured auxiliary engine cooler shifted during equipment movement. Delayed treatment worsened the injury, and reporting took three days. The flash emphasises organised storage, securing loose parts, removing unusable spares, prompt reporting and immediate attention to injuries.
- 202418 Jun
Dropped welding fume extraction hood
During vessel pipelay, a 215 kg welding fume extraction hood fell and struck a crew member. Misunderstood installation drawings left it supported by a single bolt, which cracked and sheared under dynamic loading. The flash highlights modification control, securing arrangements and omissions from DROPS registers and inspections.
- 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.
- 202427 Mar
Person injured when chain hoist container failed at securing point
A chain-hoist container weighing approximately 30 kg fell around 0.8 m onto a crew member during pipelaying clamp adjustment, causing bruising and contusion. The flash identifies an inadequately engineered modification, omitted secondary retention and incomplete inspection detail, and calls for change management, improved maintenance inspections and secondary retention where required.
- 202427 Feb
Pipeline End Manifold yoke dropped from 45° position
A vessel rigging team released one restraint while adjusting a pipeline end manifold yoke held at 45°, causing the opposite cargo strap to fail and the yoke to fall horizontally. Two nearby workers were uninjured. Learning addresses unsuitable straps, engineered securing, task risk assessment and management of change.
- 202412 Feb
MSF: Two dropped object incidents
Two vessel incidents involved a metal wedge falling 13 m during gangway pin removal and a lightning rod falling 26 m onto deck. The flash examines unsecured items, access to drop zones and rod fittings, describing tethering modifications, improved barriering guidance and planned maintenance checks.
- 202425 Jan
Fingerboard Locking Bolt Failure Leads to Near Miss Incident
A drilling-rig near miss involved six pipe stands falling from a fingerboard during cement line pressure testing. Investigators identified adverse weather and poor fingerboard design as main causes. The alert describes improved bolt retention and recommends that operators consider inspections, secure pipe racking, manufacturer updates and Red Zone management where required.
- 202425 Jan
Safety Alert-Fingerboard Failure Leads to Near Miss
Six pipe stands fell from a drilling rig fingerboard during cement-line pressure testing, with nobody on the rig floor. Investigators identified adverse weather and poor fingerboard design as main causes. The alert describes an enhanced locking arrangement and recommends considering bolt inspections, improved securing mechanisms and Red Zone management where required.
- 202422 Jan
Day Signal mast broke off and fell to deck
A vessel’s aluminium Day Signal mast broke off during deteriorating weather, with a 35 kg part falling 16 m to the main deck. Nobody was harmed; deck access had been restricted. Actions included additional securing wiring, dropped-object survey inclusion, and review of deck-closure procedures and mast inspection arrangements.
- 20249 Jan
Chain hoist paid out unsupervised near running main engine
An unattended electric chain hoist aboard a vessel paid out onto a running main engine near the generator drive shaft. A defective pendant button issued a continuous payout command. The flash examines operator assumptions, unsecured stowage and the unused emergency stop, and recommends checks, isolation review and maintenance review.
- 2024
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 5 (Winter 2024)
Five superyacht reports examine a night-time tender grounding, suspected lithium-ion battery thermal runaway, swimmers endangered by propulsion start-up, unsecured shipboard appliances and failure to wear a tender kill cord. Commentary addresses passage planning, communication, crew training, appliance securing and proposed kill-cord interlocks, retaining uncertainty about the battery fault.
- 202318 Dec
Two hand injuries
Two marine incidents involved a pilot’s knuckle injured by an abruptly closing access hatch and a seaman’s thumb crushed during small-boat mooring. The flash examines hatch securing, bulky backpack access, unassessed pinch points, communication and glove compliance, recommending secured hatches and separate transfer of bulky bags.
- 20236 Dec
UK MAIB: Shifting of centre-of-gravity of load
A banksman suffered crush injuries when an unbalanced container swung during unloading from a research vessel in port. Improperly secured cargo and unevenly stowed weights affected the load’s centre of gravity. The flash discusses load distribution in lift planning, escape routes, and rigging arrangements for lifting unbalanced loads vertically.
- 202313 Nov
High potential near miss: Dropped Paraguard stretcher during drill
During a rescue drill in a crane pedestal, a 12 kg Paraguard stretcher fell approximately 50 m after the descending cable was connected to the dummy’s harness rather than the stretcher. Nobody was injured. Lessons address equipment-specific rescue planning, attachment arrangements, team familiarity and exclusion of personnel from the potential drop area.
- 202313 Nov
Vehicle incident – driver tiredness
A company vehicle returning from a project site struck a stationary police vehicle after its tired driver continued towards a scheduled rest stop. A passenger suffered arm and nose injuries when the airbag deployed. The flash highlights driver changes, fatigue awareness, journey management, passenger vigilance and securing luggage and laptops.
- 20233 Oct
Unsafe flooring led to man overboard fatality
This flash describes a January 2023 fatality on a jack-up rig in transit, where a missing crew member was understood to have fallen through an opening left by dislodged polymer grating. It calls for checking fastener installation against manufacturer instructions, including loose grating in dropped-object checklists and updating planned maintenance as required.
- 202329 Aug
Fatality during transfer of pipes
This safety flash reports a fatality during pipework transfer between a quay and a vessel, with local authorities still investigating. It highlights suspended-load exposure, crush areas and sudden load movement, and recommends access barriers, securing loads against rolling and controlled drop zones adjusted for possible deflection.
- 202329 Aug
MSF: Air cylinder – high pressure discharge
A breathing apparatus cylinder’s pillar valve broke off while a crew member drained residual pressure before landing it ashore. Nobody was injured. The investigator considered impact from dropping the cylinder responsible. Recommendations address secure handling, slow controlled discharge, valve orientation and PPE; the owner is investigating excess-flow valves.
- 202315 Aug
Caught between: Unplanned movement of equipment leads to severe injuries
A mechanic suffered severe injuries when moving hydraulic hoses tipped a three-tonne hose saddle towards a container door, trapping him. The flash examines instability, absent securing and shortcomings in change management and work coordination during maintenance. Actions address equipment stability, sea-fastening, work authorisation and toolbox participation.
- 202315 Aug
MSF – Two recent dropped object incidents
Two Marine Safety Forum incidents concern a breakaway coupling falling onto an accommodation vessel’s deck and a barrier tape handle falling from an offshore platform onto a supply vessel. The flash discusses overdue coupling maintenance, unnecessary retention during lay-up, insecure handle design, and recommendations for maintenance, removal and consideration of secondary restraint.
- 202313 Jul
LTI: Serious hand injury – fingers lost in unexpected hatch closure
A crew member checking an engine-room emergency hatch suffered finger injuries requiring amputation when an improvised chain restraint failed. Safety locking pins were missing. The flash identifies shortcomings in planned maintenance, pinch-point awareness and toolbox talks, and calls for improved maintenance implementation, thorough briefings and stopping work rather than improvising safety equipment.
- 202321 Jun
Sheave became detached during lifting operations
A sheave detached during recovery of marine geophysical sensors and fell approximately 6 m to the deck, with nobody underneath. The flash identifies installation, change-management and verification shortcomings, including removed secondary retention. Actions included replacing the swivel connection, adding securing arrangements and improving equipment records and written instructions.
- 202316 May
Crane boom stopper fell to main deck
A vessel crane’s knuckle boom stopper pad detached during slewing in preparation for use. The 15.5 kg component fell 35 m to the main deck without injuring anyone. The flash describes its adhesive-only attachment, subsequent mechanical securing, and recommendations for additional fixings and inspection of difficult-to-access dropped-object hazards.
- 20233 May
Inspection notice from Crosby on certain products
Crosby’s inspection notice concerns hoist rings with missing retaining pins, allowing hinge pins to escape while unloaded. It describes outward prying or pulling and twisting checks on both hinge pins, acceptable movement, inspection marking, and removal from service for rings with inadequately secured pins.
- 202320 Apr
BSEE: Person injured when safety mechanisms failed
An offshore sandblasting worker sustained head and shoulder injuries when a T-connection detached and a whip check failed. The flash discusses improper cable crimping, slightly corroded baling wire and stresses from horizontal hose positioning. Recommendations address additional securing, fitting orientation, pre-job inspection and depressurisation before valve adjustment where practical.
- 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.
- 202320 Apr
Near miss – Messroom fridge fell over during rough seas
A vessel’s messroom fridge toppled during transit in 3–4 m seas after its securing brackets pulled out of a stud-wall bulkhead. No injuries were reported; the fridge sustained minor damage. The flash highlights inspecting heavy accommodation items and selecting suitable fixings with regard to the supporting wall’s strength.
- 202313 Mar
Finger crushed under Tether Management System (TMS) protection guard
A worker’s left ring fingertip was crushed while closing a Saab Seaeye TMS8 protection guard after losing grip. The flash discusses unsupported guards, cold hands, unsuitable gloves and incomplete task assessment. Included manufacturer advice specifies guard removal and refitting precautions, recommending two people and prohibiting work with only two securing pins.
- 202313 Mar
Sudden and uncontrollable move of A&R head
During pipeline abandonment preparations aboard a vessel, an abandonment and recovery head was ejected from the pipe end while being aligned for welding. Crane support prevented it dropping, and nobody was injured. The flash identifies absent vent holes, unrecognised residual-water effects and unnecessary personnel exposure, encouraging reassessment of specifications and risks.
- 2023Mar
Unsafe use of floor grating systems in oil and gas, and wind generation
HSE warns that polymer floor gratings on offshore platforms, vessels and wind installations can dislodge, creating trip hazards and openings through which people may fall. Investigations identified fastener installation or positioning inconsistent with manufacturer guidance or good practice. Employers should identify grating areas and prioritise reviews of safety-critical locations, including escape routes.
- 202327 Feb
Ineffective Crane Stinger Hook Pin Installation (BSEE)
A platform crane hook and suspended wireline lubricator fell after a sheared cotter pin allowed the hook pin to back out. This flash summarises BSEE findings on inadequate pin design and recommendations for threaded pins with nuts and keepers, retrofitting improper arrangements and adding pin-condition assessment to pre-use inspections.
- 202317 Feb
Person Injured when Safety Mechanisms Failed
A sandblasting worker on a Gulf of Mexico offshore facility suffered head and shoulder injuries when a T-connection released and a whip check broke. The alert discusses improper crimping, potentially weakened baling wire and hose orientation, recommending improved securing, pre-job assessment, equipment checks and depressurisation when practical.
- 20239 Feb
Air hose connection failure
An air hose detached from a tugger winch coupling after use; nobody was injured. The flash describes an incorrect adapter, a homemade connection and improperly installed whip checks. It recommends manufacturer-specified hose-barb adapters, correctly positioned whip checks and adequately resourced planned maintenance.
- 202318 Jan
Single point failure resulting in a dropped object
A vessel mast wind sensor counterweight weighing 0.3 kg fell 20 metres after its sole grub screw loosened through vessel vibration. No injury or damage occurred. Previous DROPS surveys missed the single-point failure. The crew fitted two screws with Loctite, modified the second sensor and recommended thorough checks of elevated fixings.
- 202212 Dec
Ineffective Stinger Hook Pin Installation - High potential for injury and Equipment Damage
A crane stinger hook and suspended wireline lubricator fell at a Gulf of Mexico energy facility after a cotter pin sheared and the hook pin backed out. The alert identifies inadequate pin design and recommends threaded pins with nuts and keepers, retrofitting improper configurations and assessing pin condition before lifting.
- 202210 Nov
BSEE: Hazards associated with cranes on idle facilities
This flash summarises BSEE observations of deteriorated cranes on idle Gulf of Mexico facilities. Corroded cables, degraded slings and leaking reservoirs present dropped-object and pollution hazards. Recommendations address removing or temporarily securing blocks and balls, inspecting cranes before return to service, storing or discarding slings, and clearing reservoirs and hoses.
- 202210 Nov
BSEE: Unsafe crane working practices result in injury
A mechanic fractured his tibia when a crane boom dropped during a boom tip changeout. The flash describes omitted rigging and safety pins, deviations from the work scope and inadequate JSA review. Recommendations address stop-work authority, written disassembly procedures, pinch-point awareness and realistic first-aid drills.
- 20223 Oct
BSEE: Unsecured Pressurised Hoses Result in Hand Injuries
This safety flash summarises two hose incidents during coil tubing operations: valve impact injured a thumb during pressure release, and a failed nitrogen connection caused a whipping hose to injure two workers. Recommendations address glove selection, depressurisation, hose restraint, valve checks, job safety analysis and stop-work authority.
- 202210 Aug
Hazards Associated with Cranes on Idle Facilities Pose Safety and Environmental Risks
BSEE reports deteriorated crane cables, missing components and pollution hazards on idle Gulf of Mexico facilities. Corroded cables and weather-exposed slings create dropped-object risks. Operators are advised to consider removing or securing blocks and balls, inspecting cranes before returning them to service, and clearing diesel and hydraulic reservoirs and hoses.
- 202226 Jul
Accidental release of free-fall lifeboat
A free-fall lifeboat fell approximately 14 m during a drill on an anchored bulk carrier, seriously injuring two crew members. The flash summarises findings on stress-corrosion cracking of sling crimp sleeves, uneven loading, unsecured occupants and absent additional restraint, alongside risks concerning sling inspection and divided supervisory attention.
- 202226 Jul
Machinery breakdown leads to a collision
A tanker approaching a berth suffered main engine failure and struck a moored barge at around 4.5 knots. Incomplete engine-control maintenance left a locking pin unsecured, activating emergency manoeuvring overrides. The flash highlights physical verification of locking arrangements, closer pilot–bridge integration and attention to single points of failure.
- 202220 Jul
Bailout manifold failure
A diving bell bailout manifold failed under pressure with no divers inside. Forensic testing supported likely lateral loading from inappropriate securing, followed by stress corrosion cracking and internal corrosion. The flash describes suspended diving, bailout inspections, replacement with more robust assemblies and familiarity with planned maintenance tasks.
- 20224 Jul
LTI – Struck when anchor wire end pulled free of drum clamps
A crew member suffered skull fractures when an anchor wire whipped over a winch drum during wire replacement. Vessel movement tensioned the wire connected to a shoreside spooler; stoppers failed and loosened clamps released the end. The flash examines inadequate risk assessment, stopper arrangements and missing safety chains, stressing better planning.
- 20222 Jun
Unsecured Pressurized Hoses Result in Hand Injuries 442
BSEE describes two Gulf of Mexico coiled-tubing incidents involving hose backlash and a failed nitrogen hose fitting, with hand injuries and an additional arm injury. Operators and contractors are advised to consider hose restraint, reduced pressure before valve manipulation, suitable gloves, fuller job safety analyses and stop-work intervention.
- 202231 May
Searchlight fell from vessel during heavy weather
A vessel’s starboard wing searchlight detached during heavy weather and fell into the sea, breaking its secondary tether. The flash identifies unsuitable securing as the root cause: the improvised tether used a whip-check intended to contain a parting airline, not support weight.
- 20224 May
MAIB: Loss of containers overboard – task seen as routine
This safety flash summarises MAIB’s preliminary assessment of Francisca’s loss of 34 containers in heavy weather near Duncansby Head. Green sea forces collapsed container stacks. Findings highlight reduced crew appreciation of weather risks, the absence of a bow breakwater and corrosion that may have increased the loss. No injuries occurred.
- 20224 May
Near miss: Floor Plate fell from Main Mast during storm
A mast floor plate fell onto a vessel’s deck during storm conditions, without injury or property damage. Its four securing screws had sheared; replacements fitted by a subcontractor were too short and of poor quality. Actions included suitable fixings, checks of similar plates and feedback requiring improved contractor workmanship.
- 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
MSF: Unsafe Cargo Transfer Using Pallets
Two pallet cargo-transfer incidents involved deck-board failure under lifting-strop tension and a box falling after a pallet contacted nearby gangway slings. The flash identifies missed hazards in planning, risk assessment and toolbox talks, explains pallet load-distribution limitations, and recommends securing all lifted items.
- 202210 Feb
Cargo shifted during heavy weather
Heavy rolling broke strapping securing metal beam stacks aboard a vessel in transit, leaving seven stacks collapsed or shifted and three moved less. The flash identifies unsuitable loading and lashing, ineffective communication and inadequate supervision. Actions address cargo-securing training, close loading supervision and additional lashings in certain weather conditions.
- 202210 Feb
UK HSE: Offshore crane boom hoist failures
This flash summarises two offshore crane incidents in which boom hoist ropes left sheaves, sustained undetected damage and failed during lifting. Booms and loads fell, with no injuries reported. It discusses possible slack-rope and installation-twist mechanisms, and recommends controlled operation, manufacturer-guided stowage, retention-bar inspection and rope-seating checks.
- 202228 Jan
Life raft lashing parted in rough weather
A life raft’s lashing failed through worn strap-eye stitching during rough weather aboard a vessel at sea. The raft inflated and was recovered, but its shell was lost and sea anchor damaged. The flash recommends lashings inspection within planned maintenance and permits manufacturer-approved Y-strap wire lashing.
- 202220 Jan
Master links came free from lifeboat release hooks, releasing the lifeboat
During annual checks alongside, an unmanned lifeboat launch ended with uncontrolled disconnection of both master links and subsequent release of its painters. Incorrectly orientated handles released the hook safety latches. The lifeboat sustained slight damage but no injuries occurred. Replacement links with sideways-orientated handles were specified.
- 202220 Jan
Three bolts sheared on a lifting trunnion
Following offshore renewables transition-piece installation, a 44 kg lifting-trunnion cover plate fell approximately 0.5 m when three securing screws sheared. The flash identifies an incorrect assumption about sideways loading in screw verification, records work-planning safeguards used, and calls for welding cover plates to the trunnions.
- 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.
- 2022Jan
Offshore cranes
HSE safety notice examines two offshore crane boom hoist rope failures in 2020, when ropes displaced from sheaves became severely damaged and booms fell without injuring anyone. It discusses possible wind, slack-rope and installation-twist mechanisms, and specifies precautions concerning boom stowage, smooth operation, retention bars, pre-use checks and replacement-rope installation.
- 202128 Oct
Unexpected movement of conductor during diver dredging operations
During diver dredging before conductor cutting, a conductor toppled at a severance point, leaving an umbilical spanning between conductors. Crane restraint and vessel manoeuvring enabled release without injury or damage. The flash identifies incomplete task information and recommends conductor restraint, data verification, revised risk assessment and improved change management.
- 202116 Jun
Dropped object – Door detached from TMS during dive
An ROV tether management system lost an aluminium door subsea after both bottom latches failed. The investigation identified an omitted check for secondary retention. The flash recommends checking fixings and reviewing dive checklists; DROPS cone analysis judged damage to nearby subsea assets very unlikely.
- 202116 Jun
Dropped object during lifting operations
During tensioner-pad replacement on a vessel’s tiltable lay system, a lifted basket struck the crane boom and an 8.5 kg pad fell approximately 15–18 metres to deck. Nobody was in the exclusion zone. The flash examines unsecured loads, inadequate task-specific risk assessment and lift planning, recommending basket covers, secure doors and sea-state-aware routing.
- 202116 Jun
MSF: Potential dropped object
A metal plate was discovered in a container’s forklift pocket after transfer from a vessel to a platform. The flash describes a potentially life-threatening dropped object and suggests buckling may have allowed deck water to dislodge the plate. It calls for checks on plate condition, fit and securing.
- 202120 May
Floodlight dropped to deck – corrosion
A floodlight weighing about 6 kg fell 4.5 m to the deck after its mounting frame corroded. Paint concealed the deterioration, and secondary retention was absent. No personnel were nearby. The flash recommends dropped-object surveys, consideration of cross-departmental hazard hunts, clear inspection responsibilities and secondary retention where appropriate.
- 202130 Apr
Blind Shear Door Blown Off BOP Body
A blind shear ram door blew off a blowout preventer during pressure testing at 109 bars, below the planned 570 bars. It was found on an adjacent equipment container. Earlier inspection and ram replacement involved opening the doors; anti-rotation bars were not engaged during reassembly.
- 202127 Apr
Potential dropped object from container
A safety flash describes two loose metal stacking guides discovered in a container’s upper corner pockets before backloading from rig to vessel, after two earlier lifts. It identifies potential injury during lifting and road transit, and records contrasting pin colours, additional container checks and a twist-lock recommendation.
- 202127 Apr
Update to SF 08/21: Fatality – person crushed when secured material fell on him
Updated safety flash describing a fatal crushing during loose lifting gear inspection. Manipulation of a ratchet strap released vertically stored metal plates, trapping the inspection team leader against a drilling bail rack framework. Actions address changing task risks, sea-fastening security, safer storage, stop-work authority and contractor integration.
- 202116 Apr
Life raft dropped to the jetty
During securing-strap replacement, a crew member released the middle life raft while a crane held the topmost raft. It fell approximately 10 metres onto the pier, damaging its container without injury. The flash identifies inadequate risk assessment, unmarked straps, unclear responsibilities and absent drop-zone barriers, and calls for clearer task allocation.
- 202130 Mar
Dropped object during crane operations
A vessel crane shed a 7.6 kg timber board from approximately 10 metres while preparing for lifting. Corroded screws in a temporary boom-rest repair allowed the board to loosen. The flash examines missed inspection findings and premature repair closure, and calls for boom-rest inspections and planned maintenance.
- 202117 Mar
Fatality: Person crushed when secured material fell on him
A crewman suffered fatal injuries when stored metal plates fell after a colleague loosened their securing ratchet strap to allow access to a sling aboard a vessel. The flash describes the storage arrangement and interim recommendations on stored-energy hazards, task planning and reviewing similar arrangements while investigation continued.
- 202112 Feb
Service letter from Palfinger Marine relating to davit types NPD 11300H and NPD 14800H
This safety flash highlights a Palfinger Marine service letter concerning NPD 11300H and NPD 14800H davits. Annual maintenance on a vessel revealed a lifeboat davit pivot pin detached from its retaining plate and moving out of position. The text also discusses deck misalignment and correct installation.