Anchor Handling Injured Party Struck by Tugger Wire

Cause & Consequence

• Collapse, overturn or failure of lifting equipment

Incident Location

Anchor Handler (handling anchors)

Incident Activity

Lifting, crane, rigging, deck operations

Incident Info Source

secretary@marinesafetyforum.co.uk

Specific Incident Equipment

Tugger,Tugger wire, ferrule

Lessons Identified

The danger was perceived to be drastically reduced as the rig move had finished and it was just a case of 'tidying up'. The safety awareness guard had been dropped. The fact that the wire jammed in the pop-up is immaterial. A wire can snag on a variety of objects, e.g. 'T' bars, rough deck planks, deck post holes, etc. A wire being moved, no matter how small or how far, carries a potential danger and personnel must be alert. By multi-tasking and trying to save two minutes, the CPI has ordered a man into the trajectory area of the wire.

Incident Recommendations

Ensure that a thorough and sufficient risk assessemnt carried out prior to the task identifies all potential hazards and that the risk reduction factors include, Staying out of the danger area, be it from recoil, spin or swing.