6d (edited) • Supervision & Control Failures
Case Study 103: Tonne Bag Secured by Knot.
Incident Overview
During a lifting operation, a slinger attempted to lift a tonne bag by tying a knot at the top of the bag, instead of using the designated lifting eyes provided by the manufacturer.
The knot was used to “secure” the load and prevent it from falling out of the bag. No lifting accessories were connected to the lifting eyes.
The bag had been previously used multiple times and contained full gas bottles, increasing the risk of catastrophic failure.
There was no lift supervisor present, and the lift plan did not define any lifting methodology.
What Went Wrong
Tonne bag not lifted using manufacturer’s lifting eyes
Load secured using a knot, not a rated lifting method
Bag fabric and stitching took the full load instead of designed lifting points
Bag reused beyond safe condition
Gas bottles lifted in a non-approved container
No lift supervisor present
Lift plan missing lifting methodology
Slinger demonstrated lack of understanding of safe rigging practices
Key Lessons Learned
Tonne bags are designed to be lifted only from certified lifting eyes
Knots do not create a safe or rated lifting point
Fabric and stitching are not designed to carry dynamic lifting loads
Improvised methods increase risk of sudden failure
Lack of supervision allows unsafe practices to happen
Safety Recommendations
Always use the manufacturer’s lifting eyes for tonne bags.
Never tie knots or use fabric as a lifting point.
Do not reuse tonne bags unless certified for repeated lifting.
Never lift gas bottles in non-approved lifting containers.
Ensure a competent lift supervisor is present during lifting operations.
Lift plans must clearly define the lifting method and equipment required.
Incident Source
Real site observation – UK construction site (2026).
Image evidence showing tonne bag secured by knot instead of using lifting eyes.
Regulatory Mapping
● LOLER Reg. 4 – Lifting accessories must be suitable and used correctly.
● LOLER Reg. 8 – Lifting operations must be properly planned and supervised.
● LOLER Reg. 9 – Planning must be carried out by a competent person.
● PUWER Reg. 4 – Equipment must be suitable for its intended use.
● PUWER Reg. 9 – Personnel must be competent.
● PUWER Reg. 11 – Prevent risk of load failure and falling objects.
● BS 7121-1 – Loads must be attached using safe and approved methods.
Key Point
A knot is not a lifting point.
If it’s not designed to lift, it will fail.
Wolf Lifting Dynamics – Safe Lifting UK | Case Study 103
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Case Study 103: Tonne Bag Secured by Knot.
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