Welder at work injured during close SIMOPS
- Safety Flash
- Published on 6 December 2019
- Generated on 18 May 2026
- IMCA SF 28/19
- 2 minute read
A welder was hit and slightly injured by a lashing wire during lashing operations being conducted close by.
What happened?
Whilst all the deck crew were lashing reels, a welder was busy welding lashing eyes. The duty officer marked out the position for the lashing eyes. The welder had to weld the lashing eyes to the deck very close to the lashing crew. Whilst he was welding, he was hit in the neck by a lashing wire. He did not pay much attention to it and continued welding.
This incident was not seen or noticed by anyone else except the welder. He reported it two days after when he felt a stiff and swollen neck. He was given first aid treatment and returned to work.
What went wrong?
Simultaneous operations were not properly or safely managed:
- No proper safety meeting when several persons and operations were going on/doing job in the same area.
- There was inadequate supervision.
- There was inadequate awareness on surroundings.
- There was inadequate job preparation. Pulling wires through small openings might occasionally slip from one man’s hands.
What lessons were learned?
- Persons in supervisory roles should ensure that there is adequate pre-task preparation, toolbox talks etc, and that these are clearly understand by the crew members.
- Designate someone to keep watch and monitor the operations – particularly during hot work.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially when there are a number of jobs taking place in the same area.
Members may wish to refer to:
- IMCA short promotional video - Be prepared to work safely - Toolbox talks
Featured Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 20/15
3 December 2015
-
IMCA SF 01/08
7 January 2008
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.