Fall from height in a confined space
- Safety Flash
- Published on 2 October 2015
- Generated on 22 February 2025
- IMCA SF 14/15
- 1 minute read
An employee fell from a ladder while descending into a well cellar to remove tie rods on the cellar wall.
What happened?
The initial report states that the injured person removed his safety harness hook from the ladder rung above in order to hook onto the rung below, at this point he lost balance and fell 2.5 m onto the concrete cellar floor. (Note: Safety lanyard was in use with only one snap hook). The onsite medic was informed and immediately attended the scene. Rescue trained personnel assisted the medic in the rescue/extrication. The injured person was stabilized, secured on spinal stretcher and lifted from the 5 m deep cellar using a crane, and transferred to the clinic by ambulance.
What went wrong?
- Conditions: Inadequate/restricted/congested workplace/environment. Inadequate/inappropriate tools/equipment
- Actions: Inappropriate/inadequate protective methods
- Personal Factors:
- Inadequate skill and/or knowledge level
- Job Factors:
- Lack of/inadequate policies and procedures
- Inadequate management/supervision/leadership
- Inadequate tools and equipment.
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.