Alert 13 – 21 Iron Roughneck “Struck By” Incident Results in Fatality
WHAT HAPPENED:
While the rig crew was tripping drill pipe out of the well, a floorhand was struck by an iron roughneck and suffered fatal injuries. At the time of the incident the floorhand was fitting a collar clamp around a drill collar. Witnesses state that a remotely operated iron roughneck was engaged to extend while the worker was in its path. Attempts to warn the person and stop the iron roughneck failed. Even though this incident is subject to an ongoing investigation, this alert provides guidance for the industry on the risk factors and hazards identified during the preliminary investigation.