Dropped object: Signage dropped from crane boom

A member has reported an incident in which a piece of metal fell from a crane boom. The incident occurred on a vessel whilst alongside during the testing of the luffing motors’ braking system on the main crane. During this testing the crane boom made an uncontrolled descent into its crutch, resulting in a 60 kg steel sign falling 15m down to the deck.

Investigation revealed that the sign was fixed by 4 x stitch welds, of which three were completely rusted away.

The following immediate actions were taken:

• All Stop: The hydraulic tech contacted bridge and chief engineer to report the incident and stop associated operations;
• Crew working nearby were asked to make safe any work and leave the job;
• A dropped object inspection of the crane boom took place to search for further loose items;
• A dropped object inspection on the starboard dock wall and fly jib platform was performed;
• A formal investigation began.

Initial recommendations – subject to completion of investigation – were:

• Review standard operating procedures for testing the brakes of the cranes;
• Review the associated Permit to Work requirements (e.g. further consideration of what areas nearby should be barriered off);
• Thorough inspection of all elements and parts of the crane (main, auxillary and signage) before further testing and use.

Members will be aware that in recent times there have been a number of incidents reported in which objects have fallen from the crane itself. This incident forms yet another timely reminder to redouble our efforts to check areas that might otherwise be overlooked in the search for potential dropped objects.

Members may wish to refer to the following incidents (search words: crane, dropped):

• Crane boom dropped object
• Dropped object near-miss – Unsecured plastic box fell from load being lifted by mobile crane
• Dropped object near-miss: Falling crane block
• Near-miss: Dropped object fell from crane boom
• High potential near-miss: SWL plate fell from crane auxiliary block
• Dropped object near-miss: small parts falling from crane rest

Members are also reminded of Guidelines for lifting operations.