NOPSEMA Issues Safety Bulletin on Offshore Lifting Operations
NOPSEMA has issued a safety bulletin addressing a consistent pattern of failures and serious incidents during offshore lifting operations over five years.
The following is an abridgement of an article originally published by NOPSEMA News Announcements.
Safety Bulletin Overview
The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has released a safety bulletin regarding the continued occurrence of serious incidents and injuries during offshore lifting operations.
According to the regulator, a review of incidents over the past five years identified a consistent pattern of failures during lifting tasks, despite established controls and known risks.
Identified Risk Factors
NOPSEMA stated that common contributors to these incidents include the generic application and verification of Control of Work systems, failure to recognise material changes to risks, and insufficient consideration of manufacturer instructions. The regulator also identified inadequate training, competence, and experience, alongside personnel exposure to Line of Fire and Drop Zone hazards, as recurring factors.
Regulatory Recommendations
To strengthen lifting safety practices, NOPSEMA advised organisations to actively test the effectiveness of their controls and ensure appropriate oversight. The bulletin recommended reassessing risks as tasks evolve, confirming personnel capability and equipment familiarity, and rigorously applying lift plans, permits, and risk assessments for routine tasks.
The regulator further stated that equipment must be used within Original Equipment Manufacturer requirements and that effective controls must be maintained to keep personnel out of high-risk areas.
