Skip to content

Person injured when chain hoist container failed at securing point

What happened?

An overhead electric chain hoist container/box weighing approx. 30kg fell around 0.8m onto a crew member. The incident occurred whilst crew were working on adjustment of a heavy clamp used as part of a pipelaying operation. A permanently installed 3.2 Te SWL overhead electrical chain hoist, mounted above on a structural beam, was being used to support the clamp end.  One of the securing points of the hoist failed, and the chain hoist container fell onto one of the crew present. It hit the right shoulder/back, causing contusion and bruising.

Hoist chain container attachments points
Failed/fatigued attachments points
Position of injured person before the event  
Position of injured person when the chain container box fixings failed and struck him (reconstruction)

What went wrong

  • An improvement/alteration of the chain hoist container had been carried out locally without proper engineering calculation for the change (the original bag removed and a sheet metal box had been added);
  • There was inadequate engineering/design: secondary DROPS retention had not been considered;
  • There was inadequate maintenance/inspection: the inspection of exterior container was in the planned maintenance system, but it lacked important detail such as fixing point and wear.

Actions taken

  • If you are required to make a change to a component, communicate this change with your supervisor/engineer to ensure the correct method and/or Management of Change is being applied;
  • Amend planned maintenance system to include regular inspection of the chain container to ensure hardware (brackets, links, fasteners and other supports) are in good condition and replace any parts of hoist showing wear or damage – BEFORE using the hoist;
  • Check of any similar hoists elsewhere; install secondary retention where required.

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 27 March 2024
Download: IMCA SF 07/24

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.