The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has provided an overview of reported safety incidents and events, highlighting key concerns and safety trends for 2024.
The 24 Safety Flashes covered 88 individual incidents or events shared by IMCA members. Additionally, 33 incidents or events from publicly available information, trade bodies, and/or regulators were shared for their relevance. It is important to note that Safety Flashes are intended to inform offshore crews and office-based safety professionals.
IMCA Safety Flashes align with the IOGP Life-saving Rules. In 2024, 31% of reported incidents or events were related to the “Line of Fire” rule, while 24% involved “By-passing Safety Controls.” It is important to recognize that an incident or event may fall under more than one IOGP Life-saving Rule—or none.
Line of fire: 27 events were reported under this category, with three resulting in LTIs. Ten hand, arm, or finger injuries were recorded, with all LTIs being finger injuries. Hand and finger injuries remain a concern, and reviewing safety promotional material in this area will be a priority.
By-passing safety controls: 21 events were reported, including unauthorized entry into confined spaces, misuse of tools, open watertight doors, improper carriage of Dangerous Goods by vessels, and tampering with approved safety devices.
Safe mechanical lifting: Seven events were reported, some of which involved issues such as line of fire and equipment failure. These included two instances of crew members being caught on lines during lifting operations—one by a tag line and the other by a crane whip line catching on fall arrest equipment.
Working at height: Six events were reported in breach of the Working at Height rule. Two of these involved unauthorized work at height in a confined space, and one case involved someone being prevented from working at height while performing hot work in a confined space. The importance of exercising STOP WORK AUTHORITY was emphasized.
Other Issues:
- Failure of equipment: Six incidents were caused by equipment failure. Notably, two involved significant structural failure of small boats, though no personnel were in the boats at the time.
- Dropped or falling objects: Thirteen incidents were reported, including a dropped Pipeline End Manifold yoke, a lifting beam that fell when a strop parted, cargo dropped during lifting operations, and various equipment that fell or was dropped.
A more detailed analysis of the safety events reported by members may be conducted at a later stage.