The drill crew were preparing to remove the slips table from the drill deck using a jib winch and lifting chains.
While the chains were being raised to remove slack and adjust for an even lift, one of the chains became tangled.
The Drillers Assistant noticed the issue and signalled to stop the lift, but the hook unexpectedly released under tension, striking the Drillers Assistant in the wrist and causing soft tissue damage.
The incident was classified as a High Potential Incident (HPI) due to the nature of the uncontrolled release and proximity of personnel to the hazard.
The impact caused an injury to the persons wrist, first aid was applied, and the site was made safe, then transported to the site medic and hospital for assessments.
What was noted:
- Lack of a formal procedure, for this task
- Known hazard not controlled (incorrect chain leg lengths)
- Signal failure (Drillers’ assistant to Driller)
- Unexpected hook release
This was a High Potential Event that had the potential to lead to a Fatality or Life Changing Injury.
Lifting and slinging are generally considered critical risk tasks, throughout our industry.
As such, critical controls must be in place and a verification process conducted to ensure the said controls will minimise the risks.
On this occasion, the individual escaped serious injury.
Don’t rely on luck to go home safely to your families;
Luck runs out but safety is good for life!
