BSEE Issues Safety Alert After Worker Injured in Hatch Fall

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  • A worker sustained leg and knee injuries after falling through an open hatch.
  • BSEE issued Safety Alert 489, emphasizing situational awareness in hazardous environments.
  • Recommendations include using fall protection, hazard identification, and installing barricades.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issued Safety Alert 489 after an incident in which a worker was injured falling through an open hatch. The alert emphasizes the importance of situational awareness in preventing workplace accidents, reports IMCA.

What Happened: Details of the Fall

A worker on a blowout preventer platform fell through an open hatch cover that had been previously removed due to damage. The worker sustained leg and knee injuries from the fall.

Why It Happened: Contributing Factors

The incident was caused by multiple factors, including:

  1. Lack of situational awareness for potential hazards.
  2. Inadequate fall protection measures.
  3. Failure to:
    1. Properly secure the hatch.
    2. Take corrective action after removing the hatch cover.
    3. Inform other personnel about the hazard.

The BSEE notes that offshore environments can be dangerous, requiring constant vigilance and awareness of surroundings.

BSEE Recommendations: Key Safety Measures

The BSEE recommends that operators and contractors consider the following safety actions:

  1. Pre-Work Hazard Check: Examine surroundings before starting work.
  2. Hazard Documentation: Identify, document, and communicate hazards to all personnel.
  3. Use of Fall Protection: Always use fall protection at heights.
  4. Platform Safety Check: Inspect temporary equipment and work platforms for hazards.
  5. Spotter Utilization: Assign a spotter to help identify hazards when working at heights.
  6. Barricades and Flagging: Use barricades for questionable surfaces; caution tape may be used temporarily, but hard barricades are preferable.
  7. Safety Gates on Ladders: Ensure ladder gates close automatically when not in use.
  8. Awareness and Vigilance: Remind personnel to stay aware and assess surroundings continuously, especially on elevated platforms.
  9. Controlled Work Pace: Encourage personnel to work at a pace that allows for hazard reassessment.
  10. Follow Approved Procedures: Ensure adherence to job safety analysis and approved work procedures.

 

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Source: IMCA