Dropped objects – still happening; and still harming – we must never expose ourselves, or others, to the risk of dropped or falling objects. That’s the message in a new video now available to watch on the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) website. The short, and highly emotive video, highlights the importance of safe working practices, not only to offshore personnel, but to their families at home.

The video was prepared by Technip with help from Atlas; and as Technip’s Marine Operations Services QHSE Director, Pete Somner, and Chairman of IMCA’s Marine Division Management Committee, says on the video: “It is by better understanding of our processes and correct use of tools and equipment that we can ensure everyone returns home safely.”

Richard Benzie, Technical Director, IMCA

The DROPS Forum has requested that the video be made available across the industry to share good practice, and this has seen Subsea UK, Oil & Gas UK (OGUK) and now IMCA all spreading the word. It is freely available here

“We agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments Pete Somner expresses on the video,” says Richard Benzie, Technical Director of IMCA. “We only have to look at our own safety and environmental statistics for 2015, which will be published in full by mid-June, to see that being struck by moving/falling objects was a significant cause of Lost Time Injuries (LTIs), accounting for 20% of the total reported in the year, to know how important it is to keep stressing that more care must be taken.

“I know members will agree that this kind of collaborative approach to safety is cost-effective and worthwhile. We, and especially our Safety, Environment and Legislation (SEL) Core Committee, would like to thank Technip for making the video so widely available.”