Falling object – struck by crane stop/striker plate
- Safety Flash
- Published on 11 August 2009
- Generated on 22 February 2025
- IMCA SF 11/09
- 2 minute read
A Member has reported an incident in which workers were struck by a falling crane stop/striker plate, causing injuries.
What happened?
Two third-party contractors were carrying out non-destructive testing (NDT), lubrication and cutting back vessel crane wires.
Whilst one of the contractors was working on a whip line and removing the split pin, the stop/striker plate, weighing 5 kg, fell from a stuck position against the chandelier and slid approximately 40 m down the wire.
One contractor sustained a fractured thumb, the other a minor first aid injury.
What were the causes?
Following investigation, the following lessons were drawn from the incident:
- The introduction of stop/striker plates had not been formally risk assessed, including the need for permanently fixing the plates into position.
- Little documented history existed for the design and installation or stop/striker plates.
- Associated task-based risk assessment and toolbox talk did not include information relating the existence of striker plates.
- Third parties were not advised about ongoing problems with stop/striker plates sticking at the chandelier.
- Safety observations previously raised regarding the possibility of stop/striker plates sticking to the chandelier had not been fully addressed.
- There was an additional person involved in the task, beyond that identified within the permit to work.
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.