Dropped object: Signage dropped from crane boom

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 27 June 2016
  • Generated on 4 April 2025
  • IMCA SF 16/16
  • 2 minute read

A member has reported an incident in which a piece of metal fell from a crane boom. 

What happened?

The incident occurred on a vessel whilst alongside during the testing of the luffing motors’ braking system on the main crane. During this testing the crane boom made an uncontrolled descent into its crutch, resulting in a 60 kg steel sign falling 15m down to the deck.

Crane boom
Fallen piece of metal

Investigation revealed that the sign was fixed by 4 x stitch welds, of which three were completely rusted away.

The following immediate actions were taken:

  • All Stop: The hydraulic tech contacted bridge and chief engineer to report the incident and stop associated operations.
  • Crew working nearby were asked to make safe any work and leave the job.
  • A dropped object inspection of the crane boom took place to search for further loose items.
  • A dropped object inspection on the starboard dock wall and fly jib platform was performed;
  • A formal investigation began.

Initial recommendations – subject to completion of investigation – were:

  • Review standard operating procedures for testing the brakes of the cranes.
  • Review the associated Permit to Work requirements (e.g. further consideration of what areas nearby should be barriered off).
  • Thorough inspection of all elements and parts of the crane (main, auxiliary, and signage) before further testing and use.

Members will be aware that in recent times there have been a number of incidents reported in which objects have fallen from the crane itself. This incident forms yet another timely reminder to redouble our efforts to check areas that might otherwise be overlooked in the search for potential dropped objects.

Latest Safety Flashes:

Incidents occurring during decommissioning

IMCA has put together a summary of incidents relating to decommissioning.

Read more
LTI: rope under tension moved and hit person’s hand

A member of the crew suffered a serious hand injury when struck by a rope under tension.

Read more
Injuries during lifting operations

A member reports two separate lifting activities involving failure of lifting equipment and resulting in minor injuries to nearby personnel.

Read more
Finger injury during manual handling

An IMCA’s members’ utilities supplier in the United States reports a serious finger injury during manual handling

Read more
Acetylene gas explosion

There was a small explosion and fire when crew were working on an oxy-acetylene system.

Read more

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.