IMCA: NOPSEMA - Lifting operations dangerous occurrences and injuries

The Australian National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has published a safety bulletin relating to lifting operations in the offshore industry. 

What happened? 

Lifting operations continue to result in significant incidents and serious injuries, despite the hazards and controls involved being well known. NOPSEMA, over the past five years, has received a consistent pattern of notifications of injuries and dangerous occurrences during lifting operations in the offshore industry. While each event has its own specific set of circumstances, NOPSEMA has undertaken analysis of the investigation findings from which a number of recurring themes have emerged, including (IMCA bold): 

• Generic practical application and verification of Control of Work systems.
• Failure to recognise the materiality of changes to risks, both prior to and during execution.
• Failure to adequately consider manufacturer instructions and guidance in relation to plant and equipment. 
• Failure to recognise or control personnel being in the Line of Fire or Drop Zone during operations. Inadequate training, competence and experience.

To view this IMCA alert in full, click the 'Download Alert' button.