Cordless ratchet dropped from height

What happened?

On a service operation vessel (SOV), a technician dropped a 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) cordless ratchet during installation work.

While the technician was handling the tool lanyard, it disconnected from the carabiner without being noticed.

When the tool was placed back into the technician’s tool bag, the bag was not closed properly and the tool fell approximately 3 metres (10 ft).

The tool missed another technician working below on the same ladder and landed on the deck.

Tethered tool set-up, tool lanyard failure mode and cordless ratchet weight.

Why did it happen?

Simultaneous tasks being performed one above the other were not properly risk assessed.

The tool bag was not properly closed, leaving openings at the sides through which the tool fell.

There was insufficient supervision and work direction to prevent overhead work while personnel were in the same section of the turbine, or to ensure that controls were properly implemented.

The level of supervision did not identify the hazard of working at different levels or raise awareness of the hazard during the task.

What did they learn?

A workshop was organised to cover the hazards associated with the improper use of tool tethers.

The site manager purchased additional tethers tailored to different tools and applications.

Carry out regular weekly inspections at all sites to document engagement with crews and help ensure compliant and proper use of tethers and tools.

Properly risk assess simultaneous tasks performed at different levels.

Ask yourself or your crew

Are tools tethered properly when working at height?

Has a suitable risk assessment been completed when working at height around other technicians?

Is your tool bag closed after using it while working at height?

How do we know the controls that prevent dropped objects and simultaneous work at different levels are working?

What happened?

On a service operation vessel (SOV), a technician dropped a 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) cordless ratchet during installation work.
While the technician was handling the tool lanyard, it disconnected from the carabiner without being noticed.
When the tool was placed back into the technician’s tool bag, the bag was not closed properly and the tool fell approximately 3 metres (10 ft).
The tool missed another technician working below on the same ladder and landed on the deck.
Why did it happen?

Simultaneous tasks being performed one above the other were not properly risk assessed.
The tool bag was not properly closed, leaving openings at the sides through which the tool fell.
There was insufficient supervision and work direction to prevent overhead work while personnel were in the same section of the turbine, or to ensure that controls were properly implemented.
The level of supervision did not identify the hazard of working at different levels or raise awareness of the hazard during the task.
What did they learn?

A workshop was organised to cover the hazards associated with the improper use of tool tethers.
The site manager purchased additional tethers tailored to different tools and applications.
Carry out regular weekly inspections at all sites to document engagement with crews and help ensure compliant and proper use of tethers and tools.
Properly risk assess simultaneous tasks performed at different levels.
Ask yourself or your crew

Are tools tethered properly when working at height?
Has a suitable risk assessment been completed when working at height around other technicians?
Is your tool bag closed after using it while working at height?
How do we know the controls that prevent dropped objects and simultaneous work at different levels are working?