Equipment
Fall Protection Equipment
Harnesses, connectors and systems used for personal fall restraint or arrest.
Newest 100 Documents
All 224 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.
- 202618 Jun
Fall overboard from the crab potting vessel Amadeus (TH7) with the loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard during manual crab-pot hauling on Amadeus in the North Sea. It examines low bulwark protection, biomechanical demands, almost certain significant fatigue, absent flotation and ineffective recovery arrangements. Findings address deficient safety management and regulatory oversight, with recommendations on fall prevention, handling assessment and work–rest monitoring.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 79 (Summer 2025)
Six confidential maritime reports examine heavy-weather fatalities, navigational audit findings, lifting entanglement, a pilot boarding fall, obstructed firefighting equipment and exposure to residual acid fumes. Commentary connects operational shortcomings with communication, supervision and safety culture, with separate lessons for seafarers, ship managers and regulators.
- 20244 Dec
Man overboard from potting vessel Pioneer with loss of 1 life
Investigation of the fatal overboard incident from Pioneer south of Hastings examines low bulwarks, unworn flotation devices, unsuccessful manual recovery and delayed distress communication. The initial fall mechanism remains uncertain. Findings address deficient risk assessment, emergency drills, safety training and fishing-vessel inspection and deficiency close-out arrangements.
- 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.
- 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.
- 20244 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 488 - Flash Fires During Welding Operations
A flash fire and blast during nozzle tack welding on a fuel gas scrubber propelled a tied-off welder against a rail without injury. Subsequent flammability readings ranged from 0 to 70% LEL. BSEE recommends considering improved atmospheric checks, ventilation, hot-work protocols, supervision, training and protective equipment.
- 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.
- 202430 May
2024-01 64 Investigation of March 25, 2022, Hydraulic Workover Unit Failure Fatality
BSEE investigates a fatal hydraulic workover unit collapse at Main Pass Block 64 Platform #19. Severely corroded structural casing buckled after crane support was removed, and a worker tied to the unit was pulled into the water. Findings examine load assessment, Anchor Spool stabilisation, oversized equipment and unclear operator–contractor responsibilities.
- 202422 May
Crew member suspended above deck by lifting equipment
A trainee deckhand aboard a crew transfer vessel was lifted when his loose work restraint lanyard snagged on a rising hook and wire sling. He fell unharmed between one and two metres onto lifting bags. Lessons address lanyard positioning, clearing rigging of snagging points, communication and stopping unsafe work.
- 202422 May
Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) crew member snagged on tag line and lifted off feet
A CTV crew member guiding slings during crane-hook recovery was lifted about 0.5 m above the deck when a tag line snagged or became entangled on harness carabiners. Prompt intervention returned him unharmed. The flash highlights deck positioning and reports the operator’s procedure review and discussions with crews.
- 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.
- 202419 Mar
Person pulled to deck by fall arrest harness
A swinging crane whip line caught a worker’s fall-arrest wire during moonpool preparations, pulling them to the deck; no injuries were reported at the time. The flash identifies communication, planning and supervision shortcomings during parallel activities, and recommends clearer communication, conditional tagline use and careful harness connection-point selection.
- 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.
- 202412 Feb
Fall Protection – Defective Safety Harness
A technician noticed an abnormality in a safety harness during vessel back-deck equipment recovery, prompting an immediate stop. Inspection revealed defects around the plastic back pad. The flash discusses inspection competence, missing evidence of pre-use checks, maintenance and storage shortcomings, and actions covering visual inspection, equipment registers and unserviceable harnesses.
- 2024
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2024
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational craft incidents. Cases examine pilot ladders, navigation, mooring machinery, suspended loads, falls and recovery from the water. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address RIB passenger injuries, dredging-chain failures, fire-extinguishing systems and flotation-device suitability.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 202221 Dec
Kuraray Pasadena Release and Fire
Investigation of an ethylene release and fire during reactor startup at Kuraray’s Pasadena plant, injuring 23 workers. It examines unsafe atmospheric pressure-relief discharge, disabled interlocks, alarm flooding, conflicting operating instructions and restricted flare use. Recommendations address safe discharge design, worker exclusion, operating limits, training and independent process safety assessment.
- 202216 Dec
Persons overboard from prawn trawler Reul A Chuain with loss of 1 life
Investigates two falls overboard from the prawn trawler Reul A Chuain in the Sound of Rùm, resulting in the skipper’s death. Examines unsecured net stowage, manual recovery in heavy weather, absent restraint arrangements, flotation device use, cold-water survival and improvised winch recovery. Identified risk controls and practical emergency drills had not been implemented.
- 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.
- 2022Jun
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 67
Maritime incident reports examine risk acceptance through undocking damage, unsafe access over timber cargo, power and detection failures, collisions, cargo-control distraction, grounding, sinking and boiler repair. Commentary addresses testing, isolation, familiarisation and challenge culture. Additional material describes tug-use training and a pilot-boarding safety checklist.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2022Mar
Personal protective equipment at work
Guidance explains the amended PPE at Work Regulations and the use of personal protection as a last resort. It addresses suitability, fit, compatibility, maintenance, storage, training and supervision, with practical selection advice for body protection, buoyancy equipment and personal fall-protection systems.
- 2022
CHIRP Annual Digest 2022
A compilation of maritime cases published during 2022, with commentary and supporting insight articles. Reports examine navigation, pilot boarding, mooring, towing, engineering maintenance and working conditions. Discussions address communication, bridge-team challenge, pressurised equipment, harness arrangements, risk assessment, permits and training, alongside examples of unsafe practice and effective intervention.
- 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.
- 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
Safety Alert 410 - Damaged Electric Cord Results in Arc
An arc flash occurred during construction after a steel self-retracting lanyard cable wore through welding lead insulation and contacted exposed wires. Neither fire nor injury occurred. BSEE recommends considering cable separation, safe routing, pre-use inspections and inclusion of electrical hazard assessments in permit-to-work and job safety analysis reviews.
- 20212 Feb
Two incidents relating to the condition of personal protective equipment
Two contractors report defective protective equipment: a harness lacking its manufacturer’s tag and fitted with cargo D-shackles, and expired or damaged safety helmets aboard vessels. The flash highlights inspection shortcomings, quarantine of defective equipment, helmet component maintenance, familiarisation training and observance of manufacturers’ storage and service-life recommendations.
- 202027 Oct
Work Platform Dropped Into Sea
An alert describes a BOP trolley work platform dropping into the sea after its operator selected the wrong control lever while attempting to move closer to the riser. The action released securing pins. Two personnel were restrained by self-retracting lifelines and recovered without injury.
- 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.
- 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.
- 201919 Jul
Safety Alert 361 - Multiple Crane Incidents during Heavy Lifting Operations
This alert summarises three Pacific Outer Continental Shelf crane incidents involving a handrail used as a fall-protection anchor, wave-driven boat movement and an unsecured gin pole. BSEE recommends operators consider job-specific staging and hazard analysis, review changed lifting conditions, verify certification and prohibit anchoring fall-protection lanyards to handrails.
- 20195 Jul
Man overboard fatality
During pilot-transfer preparations on a container ship in heavy weather, seas forced a side hatch open and flooded the embarkation space. One crewman was swept overboard and presumed dead; another sustained a broken leg. The flash highlights protective equipment, weather-aware risk assessment, pilot-transfer procedures, communication and supervision.
- 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.
- 201919 Jun
Man overboard from commercially operated yacht CV30 with loss of 1 life
Investigates the fatal loss of Simon Speirs during headsail lowering aboard CV30 in the Southern Ocean. His tether hook snagged beneath a mooring cleat, distorted under lateral loading and released. The report examines recovery difficulties, jackstay arrangements, guardrail integrity, training, supervision, fatigue and gaps in tether testing standards.
- 201910 Jun
Safety Alert 355 - Recent Safety Notices on Deficient Harnesses and Gloves
BSEE summarises two manufacturers’ notices concerning defective dorsal D-rings on specified DBI-SALA ExoFit NEX harnesses and potentially harmful benzidine in red Honeywell NF11/NF11X gloves. Identification depends on manufacturing dates and lot codes or receipt dates. Operators are advised to consider inventory searches, protective equipment during glove removal and manufacturer instructions.
- 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.
- 201929 May
Safety Alert 351 - BSEE Identifies Rig Operations Hazards during Risk Based Inspections
BSEE summarises performance-based risk inspections of 11 Gulf of Mexico rigs following a review of 2016–2018 compliance and incident data. Findings address contractor communication, emergency drills, short-service employees, fitness for duty, safe zones, fall protection, grounding and man riding. Recommendations focus on reviewing procedures and strengthening equipment integrity arrangements.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2018Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2018
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant, fishing and recreational vessels. Cases examine collisions, groundings, flooding, fires and personnel injuries, with attention to navigation, towing, maintenance and emergency readiness. Equipment-specific discussions include pilot-ladder deterioration, bilge-pump blockage, carbon monoxide alarms and safety-tether hook deformation under lateral loading.
- 20189 Mar
Safety Alert 330 - MSA Gravity Welder Harnesses
This alert relays MSA’s stop-use notice for affected Gravity Welder harnesses manufactured from July 2015 through January 2018 inclusive. BSEE recommends operators consider inspecting harnesses and checking identification labels, with alternative identification steps for illegible details. Affected harnesses are to be withdrawn, marked unusable and destroyed.
- 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
Small boat deployment near miss incident
During a rescue boat drill, a tied remote-control wire tightened and the electric motor tripped, allowing the boat to descend under gravity. Two crew members remained suspended by fall arrestors; nobody was injured. The flash identifies training and procedural shortcomings and calls for launching instruction, conditional fall-arrestor use and risk-assessment review.
- 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.
- 201722 May
High potential near-miss: Incorrectly secured overhead equipment
Loose shackle pins on two overhead fall arrest inertia reels presented a potentially fatal dropped-object risk. Incorrect securing clips had fallen out, while weather protection boxes hindered inspection. The flash highlights unshared previous findings and recommends appropriate pin retention, checks of overhead equipment, suitable inspection arrangements and assurance of third-party installation work.
- 201712 Apr
Accidents on board yacht CV21 resulting in loss of 2 lives
Investigates two fatal accidents aboard racing yacht CV21: a neck injury during uncontrolled gybes following preventer strop failure, and a crew member washed overboard. Analysis examines HMPE rope loading, tethering practices, supervision, survival equipment and recovery delays, with recommendations addressing procedures, training and personal AIS beacons.
- 20172 Mar
Man overboard from scallop dredger King Challenger with loss of 1 life
MAIB investigates a fatal fall overboard from King Challenger during access to a damaged scallop dredge bag near Shetland. The report examines tipping-door repair practices, omitted maintenance risks, lifejacket use, rapid cold-water incapacitation and unpractised casualty recovery. It records revised repair methods and recommends reviewing fleet risk assessments.
- 20171 Feb
Man overboard from ocean rowing boat Toby Wallace with loss of 1 life
Investigation into the loss of a rower from Toby Wallace during a North Atlantic crossing. It examines ankle-leash detachment, low gunnels, unused lifejackets and tethers, personal locator beacon provision and recovery difficulties. The report also considers training, overboard risk assessment and gaps in standards for commercially operated ocean rowing boats.
- 201725 Jan
Man overboard fatality: Tragic consequences of failing to follow safety procedures
A non-swimming crew member painting an anchored vessel’s markings fell into the water when his bosun’s chair rope parted and was lost. The flash examines inadequate rope checks, absent flotation protection, an unsecured lifeline and failed rescue craft operation, stressing implementation of safety procedures and adequate supervision.
- 20163 Nov
Man overboard from stern trawler Apollo with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal fall overboard from Apollo during net hauling in rough seas near Orkney. It examines an exposed stern ledge, shooting-pole removal, unimplemented risk controls, absent flotation protection and cold-water incapacitation. Recovery attempts and inadequate practical drills inform recommendations for safer deck work and realistic casualty recovery exercises.
- 201612 Oct
DBI-SALA® Lad-Saf™ Sleeve – Stop use and voluntary recall/replacement
This safety flash reports the voluntary recall of original DBI-SALA Lad-Saf sleeves following reported incidents and potential misuse scenarios. It relays the manufacturer’s request to stop use immediately and quarantine affected sleeves, with returned units eligible for replacement by an X2 sleeve according to users’ needs.
- 201627 Jan
Crew transfer vessel (CTV) personnel transfers
Two offshore wind crew-transfer incidents illustrate hazards from fall-arrest attachment during vessel movement and thruster wash near a dynamically positioned construction vessel. The flash describes a rogue wave during a dark winter transfer, suspension of transfers pending improved conditions, and revised vessel separation and work sequencing arrangements.
- 20153 Dec
Fall from cargo hatch top on general cargo vessel Norjan with 1 person injured
Investigation of a chief officer’s 2.4 m fall from Norjan’s hatch cover during yacht loading in Southampton, fracturing both ankles. It examines trip hazards, unprotected edges, absent fall restraint and arrest, inadequate task-specific assessment and unclear safety responsibilities, recommending cargo safe access planning and work-at-height awareness training.
- 201523 Nov
Near-miss during transfer operations from a crew transfer vessel (CTV) to a turbine tower
A crew transfer near miss involved a person remaining attached to a turbine tower fall arrester after boarding the vessel. Swell temporarily suspended him and lifted the assisting deckhand off his feet. Neither was injured. The account identifies incorrect procedures and insufficient awareness, and describes subsequent changes to disconnection arrangements.
- 20152 Oct
Fall from height in a confined space
An employee descending a ladder to remove cellar-wall tie rods fell 2.5 m while repositioning a single-hook safety lanyard. The flash records restricted working conditions and shortcomings in equipment, protective methods, knowledge, procedures and supervision. Rescue personnel assisted a medic before crane-assisted extraction and ambulance transfer.
- 201516 Jul
MSF: Daughter craft man overboard incident
A boatman fell backwards into the water when a daughter craft jerked to starboard during recovery after a drill. He was recovered uninjured. The flash identifies an unsecured safety harness, failure to inform the deck crew, and lowering of the davit wire without confirmation that he was secure.
- 201520 Mar
Near-miss: quarantine of fall arrest equipment
An annual vessel inspection identified three fall arrest devices without stencilling and with defective hook safety mechanisms. Missing original labels prevented confirmation of manufacture year. The faulty equipment was removed from use. Members may wish to undertake further spot checks and ensure sourcing from reputable contractors.
- 20153 Mar
Near-miss: Potential fall from height during launch of rescue craft
An annual vessel rescue-craft inspection identified that launching and securing the boat required a crew member to stand outboard without a protective barrier. The flash reports a potential near miss, a planned short-term safety-harness solution, and arrangements to fabricate and fit a chain rail and stanchion.
- 2014Nov
2014-002 VR 200 Investigation of October 27, 2013, Fatality Vermilion Area Block 200 platform “A” Lease No. OCS-G 09500, Complex ID No. 24098-01
Investigation of a welder’s fatality during offshore platform decommissioning. A tank skid with attached vent booms rotated and fell into the sea during weld cutting, carrying the worker overboard. The panel examines ambiguous cutting instructions, omitted preparation planning, generic job safety analyses, inadequate oversight and failure to stop after unexpected movement.
- 201421 Aug
Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) Anchor Post Failure Results in Near Miss
A drilling crew noticed a self-retracting lifeline anchor post hanging beside the mast after a third-party employee alerted them. Operations stopped, revealing a fracture at the gusset top. The post apparently fell towards the mast and stopped on impacting the lifeline unit, which lay over the crown.
- 2014Jun
Person overboard from motor tug Endurance while crossing to unmanned motor cruiser Sirius M with loss of 1 life
Investigates a fatal fall into the sea during an attempted transfer from Endurance to unmanned cruiser Sirius M after towline failure. Examines towline chafe, towing practice, unsuccessful recovery, flotation protection, likely fatigue effects and qualification deficiencies, alongside shortcomings in vessel surveys, certification scrutiny and port oversight.
- 201421 Apr
Equipment Shift During Rig Up Results in Near Miss
During rig-up, crane adjustment of a substructure half moved the box tops apart while centre steel was being installed. A previously positioned BOP scaffold came off its track and fell approximately 3.7 metres. Two employees on the scaffold were tied off overhead; their fall-protection equipment worked as intended and neither was injured.
- 201416 Apr
Near-miss incidents during personnel transfer to offshore renewable energy installations
Three near misses during workboat transfers to offshore wind turbines involved marine growth exposed by exceptionally low tides and bow slippage during an unexpected wave trough. The flash describes ineffective ladder scraping, revised cleaning methods and transfer procedures addressing fall-arrest tag-line slack and the Master's responsibility for wave monitoring and crew warnings.
- 201420 Feb
Fatality in ballast water tank – working at height in a confined space
A crewman suffered a fatal fall while climbing out of a vessel’s ballast tank after air-quality checks. His gas detector became trapped between him and the ladder. The flash examines absent fall protection, missing entry authorisation and training deficiencies, with lessons on safe climbing, risk assessment and confined-space rescue arrangements.
- 2014
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2014
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant vessels, fishing boats and small craft, including republished articles on kill cords. Cases examine navigation, lifeboat access, equipment failures, fires, flooding and overboard emergencies. Recommendations address maintenance, testing, communication and emergency preparation; appendices list investigations and reproduce safety bulletins.
- 201320 Dec
Serious working at height incidents
Six incidents resulted in one fatality and five lost-time injuries, involving elevated and same-level falls. Cases include an unsecured walkway, a ladder, exposed ROV-system hoses and unattached harness lanyards during roof work. Recommendations address permit conditions, concurrent operations, competence, supervision, suitable equipment, toolbox talks and stopping doubtful work for reassessment.
- 2013Jun
Persons washed overboard from general cargo vessel Timberland during heavy weather with loss of 2 lives
Investigates two crew fatalities after a wave washed them from Timberland’s aft mooring deck in the North Sea while securing a loose nylon rope. Examines rope stowage failure, unsuitable and corroded fire-fighter’s lifelines, heavy-weather risk assessment and rescue limitations, alongside subsequent changes to company procedures and fall-protection provision.
- 20139 May
Lost time injury (LTI): Fall from height
A technician descending from an ROV hydraulic power unit after cleaning snagged his harness lanyard on a rigging point and swung into a stowed transport post, sustaining a rib contusion. The flash discusses an unused ladder, the spotter’s departure, rushing and adherence to job safety analyses.
- 20133 May
Crew transfer vessel trapped under a boat landing
A crew transfer vessel became trapped beneath a failed boat landing on an offshore accommodation vessel and was pulled clear by another vessel. Passengers launched liferafts without obvious crew instructions. The flash identifies design, weather, relative motion and procedural issues, with actions addressing landing redesign, fall arrest, liferaft attachment and transfer risk assessment.
- 201315 Feb
Lost time injury (LTI): Fall from height leading to multiple fractures
A worker dismantling hanging scaffolding in a construction yard fell 16 m when a dropper slipped through loose couplers, sustaining multiple fractures. The flash examines inadequate planning, supervision and coupler checks, and recommends independent fall-arrest anchorage, inertia reels where needed and checks of safety-critical coupler tightness.
- 201315 Feb
Near-miss: Scaffolding collapse
This safety flash describes a scaffolder falling after a supporting vertical tube slipped through its coupler. Nearby workers could not tighten the connection in time. An inertia reel harness arrested the fall, while the scaffolder retained the tube and remained suspended over water for approximately seven minutes.
- 201311 Jan
Scaffolding safety
A scaffolder dismantling scaffolding outboard of an offshore platform fell after a dropper slipped through a loose coupler. An inertia reel harness arrested the fall. The alert discusses absent check couplers, unsuitable rescue equipment ratings, expired certification, anchor suitability, scaffold inspections and job-specific rescue planning.
- 2013Jan
Person overboard from scallop dredger St Amant with loss of 1 life
Investigation of an unwitnessed loss overboard from the scallop dredger St Amant while on passage to fishing grounds. Exact circumstances remained uncertain. The report examines low bulwarks, poor housekeeping, absent toilet facilities, inadequate risk assessments, unused flotation protection, emergency response and weaknesses in survey deficiency follow-up.
- 2012Dec
OSHA Fatal Facts, Oil Patch No. 4-2012
A derrickman suffered fatal injuries after falling 90 ft to a rig floor. Returning from a break, he did not attach fall protection after disconnecting from the climb assist. The alert recommends protection at elevation, assessment of fall hazards, worker instruction, equipment-use rules and inspection of fall-related equipment.
- 2012Nov
Persons overboard during lifeboat drill on passenger cruise ship Saga Sapphire with 2 people injured
Investigation of two crewmen falling into the water during Saga Sapphire’s lifeboat drill alongside Southampton. Oversized bowsing rope slipped from its securing bitts, allowing the tender to swing and heel. The report examines launching arrangements, absent harness protection, inadequate role-specific training, operating instructions and risk assessment, alongside refit pressures and corrective actions.
- 2012Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2012
A collection of marine accident narratives and lessons for merchant vessels, fishing boats and small craft. Cases examine collisions, groundings, mooring fatalities, fires, equipment failures and people overboard. Discussion covers ECDIS alarms, rope condition, rescue-craft recovery, passage planning, risk assessment and emergency drills. Appendix coverage dates concern investigations started, not the case incidents.
- 201210 Jul
Hooped ladders and the use of personal fall-arrest systems
This HSE alert examines limitations of fixed hooped ladders and their interaction with personal fall-arrest systems. Hoops may compromise arrest equipment and users may strike the cage during a fall. Dutyholders are advised to review risk assessments and consider additional protection or alternative access; blanket hoop removal is not recommended.
- 201220 Apr
Tangled Fall Arrest Cable Results in Fatality
A motorman removed a pipe screen at the derrick board. As the drill string was lowered, his retractable fall-arrest cable tangled with the Kelly hose safety clamp. The blocks and top drive exerted force that parted the cable, resulting in a fatal fall of 75 feet (approximately 23 metres) to the rig floor.
- 2012Apr
2012-001 Investigation of Fatal Fall, West Cameron Block 643, Platform A, Lease OCS-G 02241, 18 April 2011, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region
Investigation of a fatal fall during well abandonment on a Gulf of Mexico platform. Moving a power swivel exposed a deck opening. The report examines tag-line arrangements, obstructed crane visibility, inadequate hazard discussion and fall protection, supervisory oversight and delayed medical evacuation, using interviews, records and an on-platform reenactment.
- 2012Mar
Person overboard while tethered to racing yacht Lion
Investigates the fatal overboard incident involving Lion’s skipper south of Selsey Bill. The report examines tether length and routing, lifejacket adjustment and lifting arrangements, delayed recovery, crew training and command succession. Re-enactment and equipment tests inform findings, while the initiating cause remains uncertain.