The Marine Safety Forum informed about a near miss when during routine operations using a platform crane to transfer a bulk hose between a platform and a platform supply vessel (PSV), a worker got caught in the rigging and was lifted off of the deck by the crane.
The incident
As a hose landed on the vessel deck, an AB went to release the hook from the lifting sling. The AB bent forward and down to clear the hook, when the crotch strap of his lifejacket formed a larger than normal loop. As the AB released the hook, it was placed incorrectly inside the bight and as he returned to the upright position the hook was caught.
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The AB did not notice this, and signalled to the crane operator to ‘hoist’. This caused the AB to be lifted above the deck and over the side of the vessel. The AB held onto the pennant wire to keep tension off the crotch strap.
The crane driver and second AB quickly noticed the situation and managed to land the AB safely back on deck. The AB remained suspended for around 11 seconds and was unharmed.
Probable cause
The crotch strap on the lifejacket was not tightened correcly on this occasion. A change in body posture created a larger than normal loop which allowed the hook to become attached;
Moreover, the hook and lifting sling landed directly on the deck of the vessel, which along with the AB’s posture during the disconnection of hook led to the incident.
In addition, a momentary lack of awareness on the actual location of the hook, which was left open, close to the body, also contributed to the AB being lifted.
Recommendations
As a result of the incident, IMCA recommended the following:
- Ensure hook is clear of the body and any snagging hazards;
- Buddy check during the TBT before work starts;
- Raise awareness across the fleet for all lifting operations;
- Discuss amongst the industry and fleet deck crews on a suitable “pause point” before giving signal to crane operator.
