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Crane incident

We have received information concerning part of the manufacturer’s name plate, weighing 250g, falling off of an offshore crane on an offshore installation, landing 21m below on an over-side scaffold at deck level. There was no-one on the scaffold at the time and no work was ongoing in the immediate vicinity.

The following initial findings were identified:

  • The sign had been installed onto handrails on the crane’s ‘A’ frame since the unit’s construction;
  • Failure of the sign had occurred through the fixing bolt hole, due to metal fatigue which, in turn, was caused by the operational vibration of the handrail;
  • The sign was in poor condition and had a number of cracks throughout its length. A similar sign on the opposite side of the crane appeared to be in good condition.

The company involved has removed similarly installed signs from other cranes.

Safety Event

Published: 1 March 2001
Download: IMCA SF 03/01

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