Incident Date:

1/07/2010

Summary:

A rig worker was caught between moving equipment during pipe handling operations. There was a lack of communications between the members of the work team, a contributory factor in this incident

Incident consequences (potential or actual):

Fatality

Cause of accident or incident:

Moving, flying or falling object

Activity Location:

Any Location Type

Activity Type:

Drilling, workover

Description:

A rig employees head was caught between the pipe handler's lower travel assembly and a vertical support stanchion, as the pipe handler was being tracersed across the pipe bay to the catwalk. The casualty was operating as the 'spotter' for the pipe handler operator at the time of the incident, during which the pipe handler operator was unable to see the spotter and a suitable communication link has not been established to stop the job in such a situation.

Specific Equipment:

Pipe handling lower travel assembly and potential crush points associated with the process

Lessons Learnt:

• There were unidentified 'crush points' between the lower travel assembly and the vertical support stanchions.
• The pipe handler operator failed to establish effective communications with the 'spotter'.
• There was a failure in establishing a Stop Work authority when personnel were out of line of sight.
• The operation being carried out was not in accordance with the current company lifting procedures.

Task Description:

A rig worker was caught between moving equipment during pipe handling operations.  There was a lack of communications between the members of the work team, a contributory factor in this incident

Recommendations:

• Provide a formal training programme to include all hazards associated with the operation of the pipe handler.
• Provide suitable and sufficient onsite supervision during pipe handler operations.
• Inspect trolley crane operations in an effort to effectively risk assess the operation, and communicate the findings with all personnel who may be involved in the activity.
• Review the 'Stop Work' authority in all activities.
• Install and maintain physical safety barriers to prevent personnel accessing the trolley cranes traversing path.

Contact Details:

Step Change in Safety

Figures:

No figures available.

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