Load lost from lorry on public road – inadequate securing of cargo
- Safety Flash
- Published on 31 July 2024
- Generated on 11 October 2025
- IMCA SF 15/24
- 2 minute read
During the transportation of equipment, a load became free of its single retention strap and fell off a lorry.
What happened?
During the transportation of equipment, a load became free of its single retention strap and fell off a lorry onto a public road. The load fell off while passing a roundabout at low speed. The loads which fell off were stacked on top of each other and included large hoses on a wooden pallet, each load weighing 100kg. The hose was wrapped in plastic for long-term preservation and had become wet and slippery following rain.
There were no people and no other vehicles in the vicinity at the time.
Image: kentonline.co.uk (NOT the incident described here)
What went wrong?
Our member noted the following:
- The securing of the cargo (large hoses) for transportation, was inappropriate and insufficient.
- The available internal information and instructions were not in a format that could be clearly understood, nor was that information suitably communicated.
- “Task seen as routine” – there was some complacency as this was perceived as a simple straightforward task.
Actions
- An incident review session was held with the yard team, to better examine, understand and consider some of the human factors that can influence and introduce complacency in routine tasks / activities.
- The internal information and instructions were improved, following industry good practice for frequently transported goods:
- How to transport them.
- What transportation/securing materials to use (e.g. stillages for hoses instead of pallets).
- How to secure them properly. (e.g. minimum number of straps).
- Who is responsible for doing what, and who is responsible for checking and verification.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 10/17
12 May 2017
-
-
IMCA SF 09/18
24 April 2018
-
-
IMCA SF 10/13
25 June 2013
-
IMCA SF 02/05
1 February 2005
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.