Unstable Lifting Device Injures Crewman

Cause & Consequence

• Collapse, overturn or failure of lifting equipment

Incident Location

Support vessel eg Supply, Standby

Incident Activity

Lifting, crane, rigging, deck operations

Lessons Identified

WHAT CAUSED IT:

• The landing was unstable and the spreader fell on its side due to the beams eyes on the bottom side.

• The weather and position of the vessel was calm. The small movements from the vessel attributed to the beam standing for approx. 30 seconds in the upright position against the container.

• The spreader was not listed on the pre (concept) backload manifest.

• The crew was not aware that the spreader beam was to be back loaded beforehand and, therefore, was not discussed it in the toolbox meeting.

• This lifting beam was not considered hazardous cargo (unstable cargo) by all personnel involved and accepted to be loaded on the vessel.

• The AB’s were both focused on the hook after the cargo was landed, as they considered the beam stable and did not move a safe distance away from the beam.

• The injured AB was new to the industry and he was teamed-up with a colleague who worked for the company for 11 years.

• After the beam was unhooked, the injured AB was moving towards instead of away from the cargo.

Incident Recommendations

CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: To address this incident, this company did the following:

• The crew was reminded that every lift must be properly planned (Manifest).

• All members of the lifting team were reminded that there must be clear communication between the deck, bridge and rig.

• It was emphasized to the deck crewmen that more attention should be paid to every lift.

• The deck crew was reminded not to unhook any cargo until it is stabilized on deck.

• The company took steps to ensure good induction and familiarization for new crew members.