Near miss: potential dropped object left on top of cargo

What happened?

During deck cargo loading operations from a vessel to an offshore platform, two pieces of unsecured timber were inadvertently lifted from the vessel onto the platform, on top of the lifted cargo – a mud cooler module. This was discovered and reported by the deck foreman on the platform, who immediately informed all involved parties. There were no injuries or equipment damage.

What went wrong? What were the causes?

Investigation revealed that the two timbers were initially placed as dunnage under the lifting frame (“spreader bar”) after loading onto the vessel at the quayside. Third party shore-side stevedores originally placed them to prevent damage to the lifting frame and its slings being caused by movement during the voyage.

When the platform hooked the frame, it was anticipated (by the third-party workers) that the crew would go under the suspended load to remove the dunnage. However, the vessel crew correctly declined to do so and left the timbers in situ. However, the vessel crew did not identify the further hazard left by leaving the timbers on the roof of the mud cooler module.

What lessons were learnt?

In this specific case, a possible solution could have been a pre-lift for repositioning the spreader bar, allowing removal of the timbers by using a hands-off approach, using push/pull poles.

What actions were taken?

• Task risk assessments for lifting operations were reviewed to include risk and controls related to potential dropped objects while handling bulky/heavy loads where cargo lifting frames are used;
• Permit to work checklist was reviewed to include a specific requirement to check for potential dropped object (PDO) associated risks;

The incident, investigation and outcome to be shared with the quayside lifting authority, such that future lifting plans take into account the offshore environment.

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).

Members may wish to remind their offshore personnel of the following guidance and promotional material:

• Guidelines for lifting operations
• Safe lifting

Members may also wish to refer to the following incidents:

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