In a recent safety flash, IMCA informs about an incident where an engineer hurt his foot and had to rest after falling through a hatch.
The incident
Two service engineers where performing an inspection inside a offshore crane pedestal.
Inside, there was a ladder running the full height of the crane pedestal, with a hatch on the middle level of the pedestal.
The first person went down the ladder, and unintentionally shifted the hatch cover into such a position, that when the second person went down the ladder and stepped onto the hatch cover that had shifted, it caused the hatch cover to tip over and fall to the room below.
As a result the second service engineer fell through the hatch. The engineer hurt his foot and back and had to rest for some weeks, although nothing was broken, only bruising.
What went wrong
- The hatch cover shifted slightly out of position;
- There was a lack of awareness when entering crane pedestal.
Probable cause
- Poor hatch cover design, as cover was not secured: It ought to not have been possible to leave the loose hatch in such a position.
Lessons learned
- Test and check: In this case the cover plate was never fully tested to ensure sure it was safe for unintentional shifting when persons might step on the edges;
- Look for similar hatches: Ensure all hatch covers are properly designed and secure to prevent unintentional opening or shifting.
