Alert 04 – 17 Failure to Use Fall Protection Results in High Potential Incident
WHAT HAPPENED:
A scaffolding foreman was working on the skid beam along with another scaffolder to remove two temporary sea fastenings. The work was originally planned as a job for the hook-up and commissioning contractor. The scaffolders were on a call-out to build scaffolding to allow the contractor to carry out the job from a fixed platform. After the Injured Person (IP) visited the site, he assessed that the scaffolders could do the job using harnesses instead of building scaffolding. He agreed this change with the construction supervisor but there was no follow-up conversation with the permit authorities. The first job was carried out successfully. At some stage prior to or during the second job, the IP did not secure his safety line. During the second job, one of the bolts was tight and the IP asked for a second spanner. During this operation one of the spanners slipped, the IP lost his balance and fell backwards through an opening and to the deck 13.5m below, hitting an inclined support beam on the way down. The injured received a fractured pelvis. The incident could have resulted in a fatality.