- Enter the IMCA Awards 2024: We\'re looking for outstanding Safety, Sustainability, and GHG projects.
- IP Code: Mandatory Code enters into force on 1 July. Make sure your company is up to speed with the changes.
- Early Bird tickets available for the IMCA Global Summit 2024. 3-4 December, Utrecht, Netherlands. Members can save £400.
- Discover how we are helping Members reduce emissions: Explore the ProjectGHG hub now.
- Now booking. Join the Lifting and Rigging community at our Technical Seminar in Amsterdam. Thursday 12 September 2024
- Now booking. Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar. 10 October 2024, Singapore.
Near miss – grating dislodged and fell, leading to crewman slipping
What happened?
During flow-line installation work on an oil platform, a section of plastic grating became dislodged as a crewman stepped on it. The incident occurred when crew were making up a flange bolted connection, on a hang off platform (HOP). A member of the rigging team slipped into the gap but did not fall further, and was uninjured. The piece of grating, which measured 90cm x 30cm and weighed 5kg, fell into the sea.
![](https://imcaweb.blob.core.windows.net/wp-uploads/2017/10/242.jpg)
![](https://imcaweb.blob.core.windows.net/wp-uploads/2017/10/243.jpg)
![](https://imcaweb.blob.core.windows.net/wp-uploads/2017/10/244.jpg)
What went wrong? What were the causes?
It was assumed that the grating securing clips had come loose and fallen off, due to the flexing of the entire HOP during operations. There was no potential for persons to slip fully through the gap created by the dislodged grating due to the size of the gap.
What lessons were learnt? What actions were taken?
- The rigging team held a time out for safety, then made a proper check of the security of all areas of the HOP;
- Before starting work again, the grating section was replaced and secured in place;
- The team members working on the flange were wearing full fall-arrest equipment and were clipped on;
- The surrounding area covering the HOP was completely barriered off;
A subsequent ROV sweep grid survey was completed, and the grating section was located and recovered to deck by ROV.
Members may wish to review the following incidents:
Safety Event
Published: 5 October 2017
Download: IMCA SF 24/17
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.