Stevedores walking under suspended load

What happened?

During lifting operations involving wind turbine blades, several stevedores were observed underneath a suspended load.

After setting the lifting equipment on the blade, stevedores walked down to quay side from the vessels main deck via the gangway.

The gangways entrance was within the lifting zone and so, when they stepped on, the blade was suspended above them.

None of the spotters reacted to the event.

Involved personnel were stopped and informed about rules regarding suspended load.

Why did it happen?

There was an initial lack of supervision from technicians managing the lifting operation.

Lifting zones had not been properly planned out when the work was initially started.

Signage for the operation was lacking and in some cases, hidden from sight by the operation.

What did they learn?

Stevedore representative was asked to ensure that the event was discussed in the next Toolbox Talk (the actual lift was the only lift for the day).

Toolbox sign off sheet with detailed focus on suspended load has been forwarded to the contractor HSE team.

Stevedore management have been informed and told to take prevention actions for controlling the lifting zone effectively including system for controlling gangway when lifts are performed when gangway is placed below cargo to be lifted.

Lifting zone was established on quay side by spotters and signs.

The stevedores have all participated in a toolbox talk where it was highlighted not to be under suspended load.

Ask yourself or your crew

How do we ensure everyone is aware of the safety rules around lifting zones and suspended loads?

Can signs and key information be seen in all areas affected by work?

Do the subcontractors have sufficient supervision and information from the contractor or site lead?

What happened?

During lifting operations involving wind turbine blades, several stevedores were observed underneath a suspended load.
After setting the lifting equipment on the blade, stevedores walked down to quay side from the vessels main deck via the gangway.
The gangways entrance was within the lifting zone and so, when they stepped on, the blade was suspended above them.
None of the spotters reacted to the event.
Involved personnel were stopped and informed about rules regarding suspended load.
Why did it happen?

There was an initial lack of supervision from technicians managing the lifting operation.
Lifting zones had not been properly planned out when the work was initially started.
Signage for the operation was lacking and in some cases, hidden from sight by the operation.
What did they learn?

Stevedore representative was asked to ensure that the event was discussed in the next Toolbox Talk (the actual lift was the only lift for the day).
Toolbox sign off sheet with detailed focus on suspended load has been forwarded to the contractor HSE team.
Stevedore management have been informed and told to take prevention actions for controlling the lifting zone effectively including system for controlling gangway when lifts are performed when gangway is placed below cargo to be lifted.
Lifting zone was established on quay side by spotters and signs.
The stevedores have all participated in a toolbox talk where it was highlighted not to be under suspended load.
Ask yourself or your crew

How do we ensure everyone is aware of the safety rules around lifting zones and suspended loads?
Can signs and key information be seen in all areas affected by work?
Do the subcontractors have sufficient supervision and information from the contractor or site lead?