Topic
Crushing and Pinch Points
Trapping or compressive contact between moving or fixed objects.
Newest 100 Documents
All 555 in search- 202625 Jun
Serious injury to a crew member on board the scallop dredger Jacoba (BM77)
Investigation into serious crushing injuries aboard Jacoba during scallop dredging in the English Channel. A winch-operated main beam was lowered while a deckhand worked beneath it to clear snagged gear. The report examines inadequate task-specific risk assessments, snag-clearing procedures, familiarisation, crew certification and oversight, and recommends improvements to fleet safety management.
- 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.
- 202615 Apr
LTI – crew member squeezed between buoy and cargo rail
An anchor-handling crew member was trapped against a cargo rail when releasing a remaining lashing allowed a partly interconnected buoy to spring back. The flash describes crane positioning, rescue using a tugger line and aft capstan, and helicopter evacuation. Lessons emphasise checking residual securing and stored energy before moving complex loads.
- 202626 Mar
Fatal accident to a crew member on board the roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel Laureline
Investigates a crew member’s fatal crushing between a reversing trailer and Laureline’s structure during cargo operations at Purfleet. CCTV review and scene inspection informed analysis of driver–crew communication, danger-zone definitions, training and supervision. The report examines procedural weaknesses, subsequent safety actions and recommendations for an industry vehicle-deck code of practice.
- 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.
- 202517 Nov
Fingertip crush injury sustained during lifting operation
A rigger suffered fingertip crush injuries while guiding a pressure cap weighing over 2000 kg onto grillage. Its collar lowered as designed when the inner section landed, trapping fingers. Preliminary findings highlight equipment-specific lift planning, hands-free lifting, discussion of load hazards and stop-work authority.
- 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.
- 20254 Sep
Hand crushed during coiled tubing reel handling
A worker suffered severe hand injuries and partial amputations of three fingers while aligning a coiled tubing reel into a cradle. A securing frame shifted and trapped the hand. The flash identifies entrapment-prone design, inadequate instructions and incomplete risk assessment, recommending hands-free guiding, equipment familiarisation and improved toolbox talks.
- 20254 Sep
MSF: Watertight door fatality
Reports a fatality involving an individual found between a sliding hydraulic watertight door and its frame at a marine worksite. Causes remained under investigation. The flash explains watertight door functions and operating arrangements, and prompts crews to reflect on equipment risks and the adequacy of safeguards.
- 20254 Sep
Two hand injuries caused during mooring
Two mooring incidents involved a hand trapped by a tightening line during rough weather and a finger crushed between a rope and handrail, requiring amputation. Lessons address dedicated fender mooring points, task risk assessment, supervisory roles, stopping unsafe work and considering postponement when weather causes vessel movement.
- 2025Aug
Excavators : Use of safety control lever or isolation devices
This safety notice addresses unintended excavator movement and correct use of safety control levers or isolation devices. It describes a fatal crushing during lifting after inadvertent joystick contact caused slewing, and sets out expectations for isolation, monitoring, safe-approach communication, risk assessment and operator and slinger competence.
- 20253 Jul
LTI: Hand injury during capstan maintenance
A crew member suffered a serious hand injury while greasing a vessel capstan when rotation trapped his hand between an underside wire clamp and the deck. The flash examines difficult access and grease-gun design, describing grease-point extensions, clamp removal, revised maintenance procedures and wider inspections for line-of-fire hazards.
- 20254 Jun
Injury to thumb during lifting operations
During vessel demobilisation alongside, a crew member injured his thumb when a crane-held load was lowered onto a flatbed trailer while he repositioned a wooden block. The flash identifies unclear signalling and possible perceived pressure, and recommends lift planning, toolbox talks, agreed communication protocols and safe positioning around loads.
- 20254 Jun
MAIB: LTI – fingers lost during mooring operations
A crew member suffered severe finger injuries while resecuring a tender’s mooring rope during a river transfer. Unequal freeboards produced a steep rope angle, and passing-boat wash moved the tender. The flash highlights entrapment risks and conditional assessment of cleat design and fitting for routine operations.
- 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.
- 2025May
Risk from height adjustable display screen stands in schools and other education settings
This HSE safety notice addresses impact and crushing risks from motorised height-adjustable display mounts in education settings, including incidents injuring young children. It explains instability, unsuitable fixings and obstructed movement, and sets out responsibilities for users, installers, purchasers and suppliers, emphasising risk assessment, anti-collision protection and restricted access to controls.
- 202529 Apr
Person fractured foot during elevator inspection
A worker fractured their foot during a vessel elevator inspection when released trunk doors disengaged the interlock, allowing upward cage movement before local service mode was activated. The flash identifies an unfollowed manufacturer procedure, absent toolbox talk and inadequate communication, and calls for applicable work controls and risk assessment.
- 20253 Apr
Incidents occurring during decommissioning
This safety flash compiles decommissioning incidents involving offshore structures, lifting and diving work. Cases include falling loads, damaged rigging, structural collapse, chemical exposure and underwater burning. It summarises breaches of selected life-saving rules and records a riser recovery incident in which personnel remained clear of the lifting area and escaped injury.
- 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.
- 20256 Mar
MAIB: Very serious leg injury during crane operations
An IMCA flash summarises a MAIB investigation into a second officer’s leg injury aboard Kommandor Orca. His leg was trapped in a deck crane’s rack-and-pinion traversing mechanism, requiring below-knee amputation. Findings highlight unsafe local operation, omitted permit hazards, absent onboard operating procedures and flawed training.
- 202427 Nov
LTI: Finger injury during emergency recovery of ROV
During emergency ROV recovery using an FRC and crane, a worker’s left ring finger was pinched while releasing a hook secured to the crane wire, causing amputation to approximately the nail bed. The flash identifies an unplanned, unassessed release step and records revised procedures, risk assessment and regular recovery training.
- 20247 Nov
Crush incident on board ro-ro cargo vessel Clipper Pennant with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal crushing of a bosun during semi-trailer loading aboard Clipper Pennant in Liverpool. Reconstructions examined restricted driver visibility and trailer positioning. Analysis addresses unsafe corner-stowage workarounds, a walkway inside the vehicle lane, conflicting duties, inadequate risk assessments and ineffective incident learning, with recommendations for coordinated vehicle-deck procedures and driver standards.
- 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.
- 202425 Sep
Laceration to right index finger
A crew member sustained a right index finger laceration while closing a workshop-container door on a vessel’s deck. Wind and vessel movement accelerated the closure, trapping the finger. Lessons address safer work-area design, door pinch points and awareness of surrounding conditions; heavy-duty automatic door closers were installed.
- 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.
- 202414 Aug
Angle Grinder Finger Injury
A worker fractured their left little finger between a table and wrench while changing an angle grinder’s wire wheel. The flash identifies an incorrect method, absent formal training, missing impact-resistant gloves and failures in permits, risk assessment and supervision. Actions included revised assessment, formal training and review of supervisors’ responsibilities.
- 20242 Jul
UK HSE: Service lifts on offshore and onshore wind turbines
This flash summarises an HSE bulletin following a technician’s serious hand injury involving a wind turbine service lift. It examines inadequate landing-gate guarding and external control positioning, and relays recommendations for immediate design checks, remedial guarding or control relocation, and withdrawal or suitable short-term measures pending completion.
- 202418 Jun
UK MAIB: Person injured during lifting of compressor
A contractor was crushed beneath a suspended 1865 kg compressor when a departing vessel rolled slightly. The flash examines unsuitable lifting attachments, unsecured steel bars and an offset centre of mass. It stresses competent lift planning, appropriate supervision and coordination with vessel personnel over departure timing and environmental conditions.
- 20243 Jun
Diver’s umbilical trapped during a pipeline flooding operation
A saturation diver’s umbilical became trapped between pipelines when a newly laid line shifted during flooding, interrupting breathing gas. Another diver supplied pneumo gas and helped free the umbilical. The flash examines pipeline configuration, tidal current and umbilical routing, emphasising assessment of existing conditions and management of changing variables.
- 202429 May
Inspector Fatally Injured While Inspecting an Enclosed Facility Crane
An inspector examining J-bolts on a gantry crane at an enclosed compressor station was fatally pinned between a walkway handrail and an overhead ceiling beam. Clearance was only about two inches. Restricted sightlines and absent clear visual or audible communication left the operator unaware of the inspector’s position during crane travel.
- 202422 May
Hand and finger injuries... Two recent incidents
This safety flash describes two hand injuries: a fractured little finger caused by movement of a moonpool door ram on a flat pallet, and a cut from a sharp-edged ceiling plate. Lessons address thorough task assessment, reassessment when work changes, stopping unsafe work and wearing protective gloves.
- 20241 May
BSEE Safety Alert 485 - Hand Tools Pose Risk to Offshore Personnel
BSEE describes two offshore hand-drill incidents involving gloves caught by drill bits, resulting in an index-finger laceration and a fractured thumb. Operators and contractors are asked to consider measures addressing hand placement, secured workpieces, drill binding, suitable protective equipment, pre-use inspection, tool selection and intact guards.
- 2024May
Risk of serious injury from motion compensated gangways
This safety notice addresses serious injury risks during deployment and use of motion compensated gangways, including entrapment, shearing and falls from open walkway ends. It sets out expectations for risk assessment, timely audible and visible auto-retraction warnings, user and operator competence, and inspection and maintenance arrangements.
- 2024May
Service lifts in offshore and onshore wind turbines
Safety notice addressing wind turbine service-lift guarding and external control positioning after a technician sustained serious hand injuries. It calls for immediate design checks, correction of inadequate safeguards, and withdrawal or suitable short-term controls pending completion. Manufacturers and suppliers are directed to address hazards and meet machinery safety requirements.
- 202430 Apr
Trapped finger during mooring operations
A deckhand trapped his right-hand fingers while placing a spliced mooring line over bitts. Insufficient slack and forward vessel movement were identified as immediate causes. The flash discusses familiarisation, supervision, risk assessment and impact gloves, alongside line-handling alternatives and stopping the vessel where practicable.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2023Dec
Lorry loaders crush risk from powered tilting stabilisers
Safety notice addressing crushing hazards when powered tilting stabilisers on lorry loaders retract before reaching vertical stowage. It references three fatal incidents in Great Britain since 2019 and sets out manufacturer consultation, possible interlocks and control modifications, operator positioning, separate tilt and retraction operations, and training requirements.
- 20233 Oct
LTI – fingertip pinched by wire sling
A rigger sustained a serious finger injury while fitting a steel wire sling to a forklift fork, which the operator raised without banksman instructions. The flash identifies complacency, poor communication and inadequate task assessment, and emphasises banksman signals, safe positioning and hazard-focused toolbox briefings.
- 20233 Oct
Serious hand injury during mooring operations
A dock worker sustained a serious hand injury while removing a mooring rope from a bollard during vessel departure preparations. The flash describes insufficient slack, rising tension at the winch and absent messenger or tail lines. It highlights inadequate planning and risk assessment, hand positioning and readiness to stop unsafe work.
- 202312 Sep
BSEE: Hazards to Personnel During Lifting Operations
This safety flash summarises BSEE examples of workers pinned or struck during offshore lifting. It presents recommendations on barricading hazardous areas and measures operators and contractors should consider, including careful tagline handling, suitable rigging, clear escape paths, weather monitoring, stopping uncontrolled lifts and maintaining communication.
- 202312 Sep
Finger injury while setting up pipe cutting operation
A crew member’s middle finger was trapped between a scaffold tube and a pipe cutting machine during vertical setup for jumper repair. A defective inlet valve allowed air to energise the machine. The flash discusses omitted manual setup validation, unsafe hand positioning, revised procedures, toolbox talks, operator training and pre-use inspections.
- 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
Red Zone Hazards Pose Increased Risk to Personnel During Lifting Operations
This alert describes three offshore lifting incidents involving workers struck or trapped by moving loads. It recommends restricting access to red zones and asks operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider careful tagline handling, suitable rigging, clear escape paths, weather monitoring, stopping uncontrolled lifts and maintaining communication.
- 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.
- 20237 Aug
Crew member caught between hydratong and pipe stump
A drill crew member tying slips during tripping operations was caught between a moving hydratong and a pipe stump in the rotary. The reported injuries were minor, but the account highlights significant potential for much more serious injury or a fatality.
- 202313 Jul
Finger injury during lifting operations
A second engineer injured his right middle finger beneath a hydraulic-system cylinder while helping position a pallet during vessel crane operations. The flash identifies missing lifting training, participation without the task briefing, and failure to stop work. It recommends reducing congestion, wearing appropriate gloves and reconsidering work when circumstances change.
- 202313 Jul
Finger injury during shackle handling
A crew member suffered a left middle finger crush injury while removing a 35 tonne SWL shackle during pennant wire spooling. The flash identifies incorrect shackle size, absent last-minute risk assessment and failure to intervene, and recommends appropriate tools rather than hands to release heavy shackles.
- 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.
- 202313 Jul
Serious finger injury in power operated watertight sliding door
A crew member lost balance as a vessel rolled and trapped his right middle finger between an opening powered watertight door and the bulkhead. The flash describes deficiencies in hazard communication and protective arrangements, and reports an enforced no-go zone during door operation.
- 202312 Jun
MAIB: A heavy sheave fell over causing an LTI
A bosun working alone aboard a vessel suffered multiple leg fractures when a half-ton sheave toppled during manual relocation for offloading. The flash identifies unauthorised stowage, absent lift planning and underestimated handling risks, and calls for help and a clearly communicated plan before moving such loads.
- 2023Jun
Pop-up toilets: Risk of crushing
This safety notice describes a fatal crushing incident beneath a raised telescopic pop-up toilet. It addresses chamber access, cleaning, inspection and maintenance risks, prioritising risk assessment and suitably rated engineering safeguards against lowering. It also calls for maintained controls and adequate safety information, with written instructions where appropriate.
- 202324 May
Hand injury in medical airlock
A life support technician injured a finger when a stiff dive-chamber medical airlock hatch moved suddenly, trapping his hand between an operating-wheel brace and the hinge plate. Actions included door lubrication, planned maintenance, hand-placement warnings and instructions, and demonstrations during vessel familiarisation.
- 202324 May
Hand injury while using manual torque tool
A project engineer assisting with bolt torquing injured his hand when it slipped between a force multiplier’s reaction bar and a gooseneck. The flash identifies gaps in supervision, role briefing, toolbox-talk participation and training, and calls for clear responsibilities, inclusive briefings and understood stop-work authority.
- 20234 Apr
Crew member trapped his left index finger in watertight door
A fitter sustained minor abrasions to his left index finger while cycling a watertight door to investigate conflicting door-status indications. His hand became trapped between the moving edge and frame. The flash discusses concentrated fault finding, possible distractions, and the role of education, training, monitoring and enforcement in managing behaviour.
- 20234 Apr
LTI finger injury during mooring operations
An able seaman broke his left index finger while unmooring after ship-to-ship refuelling, losing 45 days of work. The flash identifies poor glove condition, insufficient rope slack, absent rope extensions and inadequate oversight of inexperienced personnel. Lessons address supervision, rope extensions and sufficient slack during handling.
- 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.
- 202321 Feb
Extreme Caution Advised During Swing Rope Transfers
This alert reviews offshore swing-rope transfer incidents involving a fractured foot, a shin laceration and a fall into water without injury. BSEE recommends transfer-specific risk assessments, competence assurance and recovery capability checks, alongside verification of transfer systems and locator beacons. Alternative transfer methods, including gangways or elevated structures, are recommended for consideration.
- 202316 Feb
High-potential incident: Person struck by Yokohama fender
A crewman was injured when a Yokohama fender pivoted during lifting aboard a vessel in harbour, trapping him against a bumper bar frame while he released sea fastenings. The flash identifies gaps in task planning and risk assessment, and describes reviews of fender storage, personnel positioning and stop-work expectations.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Crew member crushed finger when opening fire flap
A crew member fractured his index finger between an emergency fire-flap hatch and its frame while a colleague pulled a rope in the opposite direction. Following deluge-system testing, difficulties releasing a butterfly nut exposed shortcomings in planning and risk assessment. Lessons emphasise comprehensive toolbox talks and stopping to reassess changed conditions.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Finger crushed while moving mobile gantry crane
A bosun crushed his index finger while dragging a dismantled mobile gantry crane support leg when a wheel turned and the leg collapsed. The flash identifies inadequate planning, communication, supervision and risk assessment. Actions included a lighter crane with wheel locks, improved deck access and further safety training.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Person crushed in watertight door
An electrician suffered severe crushing injuries when a vessel’s watertight door opened during proximity-sensor adjustment. A damaged selector switch enabled the opening command, while a leaking ball valve failed to isolate the hydraulics. The flash highlights absent work authorisation, lockout and task analysis, and recommends adequate replacement spares.
- 202318 Jan
LTI - Finger injury during davit test
During rescue-boat davit testing, a winch brake failure caused the craft to fall, trapping a crew member’s hand between a tensioned painter rope and a handrail. The flash describes serious finger injuries, inadequate supervision and toolbox communication, and lessons on rope handling, protective equipment and specific launch and test procedures.
- 2023
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2023
A multi-case marine safety digest draws lessons from navigation incidents, fires, falls, cargo lifting, mooring injuries and fishing casualties. Case analyses examine communication, electrical work, lifejacket use and recovery arrangements. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address fuel-hose modifications, liferaft servicing, carbon monoxide poisoning and fatal man-overboard incidents.
- 202221 Dec
Near miss: load lifted without notice putting crew in the line of fire
An offshore cargo-lifting near miss exposed an AB untwisting a sling to potential crushing between cargo and a container when lifting began without warning. Poor crane visibility and communication were reported. Work stopped without injury; lessons emphasise vigilance, stakeholder communication and adherence to deck and stop-work policies.
- 202230 Nov
LTI: Foot trapped between pipes
A rigger suffered a lost-time injury when a pipe rolled into a lower-layer gap and trapped his foot during pipe handling. The flash identifies working alone, absent permanent wedges or spacers, failure to follow the stacking plan and risk assessment, and ineffective verification of controls.
- 202230 Nov
LTI: person suffered serious crush injuries
An offshore drilling assistant suffered serious crush injuries after leaning between guard railings and becoming trapped between a compensator carriage and rooster box. The flash identifies shortcomings in supervision, procedures, hazard assessment, communication and application of previous lessons, and highlights stop-work intervention and respect for safety barriers.
- 202230 Nov
MAIB: “pinkie is no longer perkie”
A cargo-vessel crew member suffered a little-finger fingertip amputation when their hand became trapped between a hydraulically operated sliding door’s handle and frame as it opened fully. Inspection found no door defects. MAIB lessons emphasise suitable training, understanding powered-door operation and avoiding shortcuts.
- 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.
- 202224 Oct
Damage to chain hoist subsea
During subsea clamp installation by divers, a centralising chain block became trapped at the clamp hinge, damaging a chain link but not the clamp. Worksite checks were insufficiently frequent, and procedures omitted entanglement and snagging prompts. The member revised procedures and raised awareness of chain-hoist snagging hazards.
- 20223 Oct
LTI: fractured finger during anchor handling
A crew member fractured his fingertip while attempting to remove a conical pin from a Kenter link during anchor handling. The flash describes incorrect pin removal, gaps in task knowledge, insufficient supervision and ineffective risk assessment. Lessons emphasise training, supervision and communicating risks to new personnel.
- 20225 Sep
High potential incident – Foot trapped under ram cylinder
A helper’s foot became trapped beneath a lowering ram during pipe joint coating at a spoolbase. The operator raised the unit to release him; only first aid was required. The flash identifies absent guarding and inadequate access instructions and risk assessments, and recommends entrapment controls and equipment familiarisation.
- 20225 Sep
LTI: Diver suffered crush injury to finger
A diver injured his ring finger positioning a subsea tree panel during decommissioning when vessel heave moved the crane-supported load. The flash recommends hands-off lifting wherever possible, reviewing risk assessments where this is not possible or advisable, and providing guidance for choosing between crane and lift-bag methods.
- 202220 Jul
Unsafe Working Practices Result in Crane Injury
A mechanic sustained a severe leg fracture when a crane boom dropped during a boom tip changeout. The alert describes omitted rigging and safety pins, shortcomings in job safety analysis, and lifesaving first aid. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider stronger task reviews, written disassembly procedures and stop-work practices.
- 202214 Jul
IOGP: Squeezed hand due to unintentional activation of winch
A crewman’s hand was squeezed between a railing and structure after he grabbed a rope moved by unintended auxiliary winch activation. The flash identifies workplace design, unidentified operational risk, incomplete role descriptions and training gaps, and recommends design improvements, disconnecting redundant levers, competence assurance and task-specific risk communication.
- 202220 Jun
Fatal crush incident between platform supply vessel and fast rescue craft (2012)
A bosun was fatally crushed between a supply ship’s hull and its rescue craft’s lifting frame during paintwork repairs in Aberdeen. The flash revisits findings on inadequate planning and risk assessment, swell and tidal effects, and delayed medical assistance, recommending assessment of unusual tasks and prompt responses to medical emergencies.
- 202212 May
This is not a drill…an LTI during a drill (MSF)
An experienced seafarer sustained a severe open thumb fracture while closing a daughter craft’s cabin door during a casualty-handling drill. The investigation identified lost situational awareness and poor judgement. Actions include checking possible preventative door-design changes and using a Time Out for Safety to highlight the trapping hazard.
- 202221 Apr
Communications: LTI finger injury during lifting operations
A rigger suffered a crushed ring finger requiring fingertip amputation during vessel demobilisation, when hoisting began with a hook still attached to a container lifting eye. The flash examines disputed hand signals, inadequate lift planning, unclear banksman responsibilities and unsuitable glove impact ratings, recommending clearer communication and documented demobilisation planning.
- 20228 Apr
Riggers struck/trapped by pipe section
This safety flash describes riggers struck by a suspended pipe moving sideways during transfer to a pipelayer conveyor, with one trapped against a handrail and suffering a back fracture. Findings address crane slew, supervision and conflicting positioning instructions. Lessons emphasise confirmed communications, clearly defined safe positions and maintaining awareness during repetitive work.
- 202211 Mar
Line of fire: pinched finger between door and frame
An ROV operator sustained a fingertip laceration when a control-van door closed against his left index finger, requiring medivac and reconstructive surgery. The flash identifies an unrepaired door-closing spring mechanism and ineffective hazard familiarisation, and recommends functioning door closers, planned maintenance, regular inspection, induction, mentoring and supervision.
- 202211 Mar
Non-fatal man overboard incident
A pilot fell into the water while attempting to leave a mooring boat before it was securely moored. He escaped uninjured using an inflated lifejacket and jetty ladder, although the lifejacket was incorrectly secured. The flash addresses safe disembarkation, buddy support, lifejacket fastening and gangway safeguards.
- 202228 Feb
Fractured finger while handling metal plates
A crew member fractured his little finger when it became trapped between a plate and frame during manual repositioning on deck. The flash identifies unsafe plate design and task assessments that omitted manual handling. Lessons describe temporary handles, magnetic lifting handles as a longer-term solution, and task-specific risk reviews.
- 202210 Jan
UK HSE: uncontrolled movement of fabrication caused injury
An HSE prosecution followed life-changing injuries when a dolphin jacket weighing approximately 7.7 tonnes moved uncontrollably during fabrication and welding, crushing a worker’s feet. The flash describes a failed positioning and securing method using forklift trucks and temporary steel supports, alongside absent written risk assessments and work method statements.
- 202119 Nov
MOB: Person fell into water during gangway installation
A crew member fell into the water while attempting to lift a portable gangway to free another person’s trapped foot, and was recovered without injury. The flash identifies communication failures, tiredness, insufficient staffing and absent risk assessment, recommending toolbox talks, improved bridge–deck coordination and sufficient supervised, rested crew.
- 20218 Nov
Hand pinched between cable and cable roller frame
A cable-lowering operation trapped a supervisor’s hand against a roller-table post, causing a laceration despite a protective glove. The flash identifies omitted cable movements in the task risk assessment, absent task-specific briefing and inadequate pinch-point marking. It highlights unused stop-work authority and recommends worksite risk assessment review.
- 20214 Nov
Safety warning about crushing injuries in stowage spaces after the loss of 1 life on ro-ro ferry Clipper Pennant
This bulletin presents initial findings following a bosun’s fatal crushing during semi-trailer loading aboard Clipper Pennant in Liverpool. It highlights restricted escape space beside the vessel’s structure and advises operators to review cargo procedures, assess and mark hazardous stowage spaces, and align crew briefings with vehicle-deck guidance.
- 20211 Oct
MAIB: Crush fatality during lifting operations
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on a fatal crushing aboard Cimbris during hatch cover lifting. It highlights restricted operator visibility, the absence of a lookout, inadequate planning and supervision, and poor communication. Company actions included mandatory safety sentries, reviewed procedures and an instruction card defining lookout duties.
- 202122 Sep
Crush incident on general cargo vessel Cimbris with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a stevedore’s fatal crushing during hatch-cover movement aboard Cimbris at Antwerp Bulk Terminal. The report examines restricted crane-operator visibility, the absence of a banksman, lifting arrangements and ship–shore coordination. It identifies weak safety cultures and records procedural changes and recommendations for the vessel manager and port labour federation.
- 202113 Sep
UK HSE: Employee fatally injured while moving heavy equipment
A worker suffered fatal head injuries when a heavy milling machine toppled during relocation using a forklift and machine-moving skates. The flash reports failures in task assessment, planning, safe working arrangements, instructions and supervision, alongside inadequate skate maintenance and inspection.
- 202112 Aug
Recent Uptick in Lifting Injuries due to Unrecognized Pinch Point Hazards
BSEE describes two lifting incidents involving a shifting Connex box and grating transferred to a motor vessel, causing arm injuries and partial finger amputation respectively. Operators and contractors are asked to consider clearer load-monitoring communication, pre-job reviews, boom positioning, adequate landing space, hands-free standards and continued tagline use.
- 202122 Jul
MAIB: fatality during transfer from a workboat to a barge
A fish farm assistant manager was crushed between a moving workboat and a feed barge during transfer onto an access ladder, then fell into the water and drowned. The flash identifies inadequate planning, supervision, risk assessment and emergency preparedness, recommending transfer planning, recovery drills and sufficient trained, experienced crew.
- 20212 Jun
LTI: Hand injury during diving operations
A diver suffered a serious finger injury while two divers unbolted a floating hose flange at a single point mooring. An impact wrench was started before the colleague was ready, causing his flogging spanner to trap three fingers. The flash highlights communication, risk assessment, tool positioning and consideration of alternative tools or methods.
- 202125 May
Crush incident during transfer from workboat Beinn Na Caillich to a feed barge with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal transfer at Ardintoul fish farm, where a worker was crushed between a moving workboat and a feed barge ladder, then drowned after slipping out of his lifejacket. The report examines transfer planning and supervision, crotch straps, recovery preparedness and marine safety management, recommending fleet standards and management expertise.
- 202111 May
Crush incident on scallop dredger Olivia Jean with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal head injury aboard scallop dredger Olivia Jean during attempts to free snagged dredge gear. The engineer was probably struck by a towing bar swinging inboard. Analysis examines deck supervision, restricted winch-operator visibility, language barriers, training, risk reassessment and weak safety management, alongside subsequent actions and recommendations.
- 20216 May
Swedish Club: Lessons learned – crew member loses leg in mooring injury
A crew member lost a leg after becoming trapped between a rapidly paying-out mooring line and a fairlead. The lines sank and caught in the propeller. The flash examines how a bight around a bollard expanded the snapback zone and highlights the need to reassess mooring risks for each operation.
- 20216 May
Two injuries
This safety flash describes two injuries: a crew member gashed his scalp on a girder while stowing tools, and an engineer injured a fingertip when a door slammed shut in a lower-pressure room. It discusses restricted stowage space, bump-cap use, situational awareness, impact protection and warning signs.
- 202127 Apr
Safety Alert 420 - Employee Injures Hand in Rotating Equipment
A mechanic responding to an after-hours compressor shutdown entered the unit while its cooling fan was slowing. Placing his hand on the belt pulled him into a sheave, fracturing two fingers. The alert recommends considering reviews of after-hours work controls, including job safety analysis, lockout/tagout and stop-work practices.
- 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.