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Dropped load (bottled water) during lifting operations

What happened?

During a routine lifting operation, a pallet laden with about 1 tonne of bottled water, slid off the pallet lifting forks and fell around 8 metres to the quayside area below.  The banksman had to run clear of the area to avoid being struck by falling items.

How did it happen?

Inattention, complacency and failure to follow company lifting procedures with regards to lift team size.

What must you do in that situation?

  • Follow company procedures and standards with regards to lifting operations;
  • STOP THE JOB if worksite controls are not being followed or if work is not safe;
  • Ensure sufficient barrier management is in place for lifting operations.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 16 July 2019
Download: IMCA SF 17/19

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
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IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

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