Alert 05 – 45 Man-Riding Operation Results in a Fatality
WHAT HAPPENED:
The Rig night shift drilling crews were preparing the rig to commence drilling operations following a rig move. Part of this task is to set back the mast lifting line equalizing yoke. This requires working at a height of 35 meters (115 feet) above the rig floor. It was planned to be done with one man in the mast itself and one man on a man-riding winch, both assisting in tying the yoke back. During this operation the cable supporting the victim fell off the snatch block hung underneath the crown assembly allowing the victim and the supporting cable to fall 35m (115 feet) to the rig floor. The victim suffered multiple injuries and died on the spot.