Shifting Load During Crane Lift (KV 146)


What Happened?

Worker requested to assist on a cargo handling operation from the Main Deck. The task was to connect the crane hook to the slings of a pipe bundle. The bundle was to be sent over to a platform with the use of the crane.

When the Roustabout, who was working on his own, signaled to the Crane Operator to pick up the load, the movement caused by lifting the load allowed the bundle of pipe to shift in the direction of the worker and his right hand became caught between two joints of pipe, fracturing two fingers in the process.

Contributing Factors

There were no known contributing factors.

What Can We Learn?


Procedures for crane lifts should be followed during all operations.

Utilizing a Questioning Attitude helps understand the best body positioning for a task and also drives us to think about the worst thing that could happen.


The Physical Environment is always changing when moving loads with a crane. Keep personnel clear of all moving loads.

Ask the Right Questions

How does this relate to our work?

Where do we have similar traps?

What Tools can we use to avoid a similar incident?

Was a stop work point missed?