Potential dropped objects left on loaded cargo

What happened?

A member reports numerous instances of potential dropped objects being found on containers and equipment being loaded from port and offshore facilities.

What went wrong? What were the causes?

Items of significant weight, such as a bag of fittings weighing 15kg, loose rocks, scissors, crow bars, large pieces of wood and loose lumps of steel affected by corrosion, have all been found when loading cargo.

The primary causes were poor housekeeping and failing to conduct inspections of loads before, during and after lifting operations.

What lessons were learnt?

• Containers and equipment being loaded and unloaded have been prepared by a third party. Great care and caution should be exercised when accepting these loads;
• ALL parties in the supply chain have a responsibility to inspect loads before first lift, during transit and when unloading;
• Ensure good housekeeping on and around all containers/equipment;
• Never stand under a load;
• Establish exclusion zones during lifts.

Dropped objects from cargo are a significant source of incidents reported to IMCA and to other industry organisations including Step Change and the Marine Safety Forum (MSF), and remain a grave concern.

Members may wish to refer to the following incidents:

• Near-miss: Dropped object from cargo
• High potential dropped object near miss: Object fell from cargo