IMCA Safety Flash Summary 2024

Pipeline End Manifold Incident

• Yoke dropped from a 45° position during adjustment, leading to a fall into a horizontal resting position.
• Two personnel were present inside the PLEM but escaped injury; incident occurred while rigging was being rearranged after a safety observation.
• Failure of port side top cargo strap due to released tension caused sudden yoke movement and failure of the starboard strap.
• Incorrect cargo strap type used; old 4-tonne straps instead of new 5-tonne ones as specified in the task plan.
• Improper rigging practices followed, copying methods from previous projects, leading to safety risks associated with the suspended load.

Heavy Weather Incident

• A crew member was seriously injured when a large wave forced open a weathertight door from the main deck to the crane room.
• The water rush caused the crew member to fall down two flights of stairs inside the crane pedestal.
• The vessel's medical team assessed the injury, followed by airlift to a hospital for further trauma support.
• Incident highlights risks of poor weather conditions on maritime operations, emphasizing the need for robust emergency protocols.

Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) Contact Incident

• A CTV experienced minor damage after hitting protruding scaffolding on an Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) during crew transfer.
• This incident marked the fifth personnel transfer without previous issues; however, conditions were misjudged by the Master of the CTV.
• Existing risk assessment did not identify hazards related to scaffolding protrusion or movements of the anchored OSV.
• Emphasizes need for more comprehensive risk assessments, considering environmental factors and equipment operations.

General Safety Lessons

• Importance of proper equipment checks and adherence to updated safety standards.
• The necessity of perceiving potential risks in routine operations to ensure crew safety.
• Recommendations include maintaining accurate rigging setups, rigorous training on hazard recognition, and implementing comprehensive risk assessments to adapt to operational changes.

Explore the key safety matters and incidents highlighted in the IMCA Safety Flash. This summary emphasizes the importance of sharing information to prevent repeat incidents and improve overall safety awareness. It serves as a crucial resource for members striving to enhance safety protocols within their organizations.