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Fork lift truck operation

A recent incident on one of our members’ vessels occurred when working on an internal lifting tool, using a fork lift to lift and install grippers.

The gripper fell off of the forks and hit a man on his hand, causing serious crush wounds.

The main reason for the incident was that the forks were being used as a lifting tool. The grippers were attached using a rope. The rope was not secured against slipping.

Proper slings/shackles should have been used, along with a device to prevent slipping. On a similar vessel, a shoe and tie-back device is used.

The lessons learned from the incident were:

  1. use fork lift trucks for what they are designed for;
  2. use proper slings, shackles and securing devices;
  3. supervisors should check on all ongoing work.

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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IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall 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.