Fatality during lifting operations

A member has reported an incident in which a crew member suffered fatal crush injuries. This was during lifting operations, on an offshore vessel. The incident occurred whilst rigging equipment was being transferred from one part of the vessel to the spar deck. This operation was conducted by the crane operator and rigger team. One of the loads to be transferred involved a Dyneema sling arrangement that was connected to an ROV reverse hook. The sling weighed approximately 0.7 tonne and the hook 2.3 tonne, giving a combined weight of 3.0 tonne. The rigging assembly was prepared on the main deck by the lead rigger and a rigger.

The rigger foreman, senior rigger (IP) and the certified rigger were located on the spar deck. They had already received and sea-fastened the spreader beam and were awaiting the next load to arrive. As the Heavy Lift Crane boom was located in its rest, the Manitowoc crane boom could not be positioned to allow a plumb lowering of the load onto the spar deck. The senior rigger (IP) was asked to move to a safe position by the rigger foreman.

After confirmation was given to send the load it arrived suddenly at the spar deck; it landed inboard against the spreader. It then slid forward towards the senior rigger, who was struck twice by the suspended load. Due to his height the load made contact with his chest and crushed him against the cargo rail, at his back.

The alarm was raised and a response activated. The vessel doctor found no vital signs, he applied an airway, gave oxygen, fitted a cannula and administered adrenaline to the senior rigger but there was no response. Resuscitation continued but was unsuccessful and the senior rigger was declared dead.

Our member’s early investigation notes the following:

• Incident occurred in daylight hours;
• Wind was 20-22 knots ESE;
• Significant wave height 2.7m, with maximum wave height of 3.1m;
• The senior rigger may have felt he was already in a safe position, between the end of the spreader bar and the stern of the zodiac, not anticipated he was actually at risk;
• The slide forwards of the heavy load may have been caused by:
  • Induced momentum from crane swing
  • Contact with the parking leg of the spreader beam
  • Contact with the lifting eye, nubbins of spreader beam
  • Induced spin from offset of centre of gravity
  • Vessel motion from sea state;
• Or any combination of the above factors.

Our member reiterates the following vital points with regards to all lifting operations:

• Careful consideration should be given to all lifting operations. All lifts require planning whether they are ‘routine’ or non-‘routine’;
• Careful consideration should be given to the positioning of personnel – particularly riggers and banksmen, during lifting operations;

Members may also wish to refer to Guidelines for lifting operations.