Near-miss: Drawstring on storm jacket nearly drawn into rotating equipment
- Safety Flash
- Published on 20 March 2015
- Generated on 22 February 2025
- IMCA SF 04/15
- 2 minute read
A company has reported a near miss incident in which the draw string on worker’s clothing was observed hanging close to a revolving spindle.
What happened?
The incident occurred on an offshore platform when a construction team were fitting pipe supports. Part of this task involved drilling holes through the deck plate with a magnetic drill. Owing to poor weather conditions, the crew were wearing ‘parka’ style storm jackets. One of the work party members noticed that the drawstring and toggle on the bottom the drill operator’s jacket was hanging very close to the revolving spindle of the magnetic drill. There was potential for the drawstring to be drawn into the tool causing injury to the operator.
He immediately stopped the job and the hazard was highlighted. The entire work party removed the drawstrings from their jackets and the hazard and intervention was shared with the rest of the crew. The intervention was further discussed at start of shift meetings and it was apparen’t that these lanyards could and had become snagged when climbing ladders and had got caught on plant and equipment etc. It was agreed that the drawstrings were impractical as their use on this type of jacket would restrict both leg movement and body positioning.
Storm jackets with draw string and illustrating potential hazard
Storm jackets with draw string and illustrating potential hazard
Storm jackets with draw string and illustrating potential hazard
The following points were noted:
- The immediate cause of the incident was that long, ‘parka’ style storm jackets were supplied with a drawstring and toggles that could become snagging hazards. This was especially hazardous when using or working with rotating machinery or equipment.
- Members should ensure their crews are aware of this form of hazard.
- As far as possible, alternative clothing without draw strings should be used.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is 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.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.