Fall Protection – Defective Safety Harness
- Safety Flash
- Published on 12 February 2024
- Generated on 23 October 2025
- IMCA SF 03/24
- 2 minute read
Several points of failure were identified on and around the area of the plastic back pad of a harness.
What happened?
During equipment recovery operations on the back deck of a vessel, a technician felt something unexpected around the Dorsal ‘D’ ring on the back of his safety harness. Operations were immediately stopped. On inspection, several points of failure were identified on and around the area of the plastic back pad of the harness (see photo).
Findings/Lessons Learned
- Before project mobilisation, the task of inspecting the harnesses was assigned to an untrained short service employee, which was contrary to company requirements.
- There was a failure to adhere to existing internal requirements and control mechanisms associated with the periodic inspection, maintenance and record keeping associated with fall protection equipment systems.
- There was no evidence that a pre-use inspection – as was required by the company – had been completed by the technician before putting on the harness and starting work.
- Wear and tear of the harness and metal components indicated exposure to adverse environmental conditions, suggesting that the harness had not been stored and maintained per the original equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Actions taken
- Ensure thorough visual inspection of fall protection safety harnesses by an appropriately trained person. Safety harnesses found unfit for service should be quarantined or destroyed.
- Maintain a comprehensive fall protection equipment register.
- Always store fall protection equipment in an environment protected from the elements and in accordance with the original equipment manufacturer’s requirements.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 21/23
29 August 2023
-
-
IMCA SF 15/09
23 October 2009
-
IMCA SF 02/10
8 April 2010
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.