Security of Possible Dropped Objects from Height

Cause & Consequence

• Not Assigned

Incident Location

Support vessel eg Supply, Standby

Incident Activity

Lifting, crane, rigging, deck operations

Incident Info Source

Stuart Walker

Specific Incident Equipment

Cranes

Lessons Identified

Obviously better control of crane operations are required. However another problem was identified and is the reason for this safety alert. The floodlight was identified as a potential dropped object in two previous surveys and a fall arrestor was in place. Unfortunately the fall arrestor was attached between lamp fitting and bracket. In the incident the bracket was sheared at the weld allowing the whole assembly to fall. On further inspection other assemblies were fitted with fall arresters but were not attached to the main structure. Although this incident was caused by impact from a crane operation, the security of the whole assembly was not evident to prevent a fall of equipment from either fatigue or corrosion. The potential of this incident would have been reduced significantly if the secondary security arrangement (fall arrestor) was attached to an independent source.

Incident Recommendations

Carry out a dropped object survey/inspection to identify any similar arrangements · Ensure secondary devices are attached to an independent source, i.e. not just light to bracket