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What happened?
While servicing a well, a floorhand pushed a suspended rod string over the floor.
As it was lowered to latch into the transfers, the rod string got hung up on the rig floor causing the rod to twist and detach from the rod transfer and carabiner.
The rod transfer and rod string fell approximately 14 meters, and the rod transfer struck the floorhand on the wrist causing injury.
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Why did it happen?
- A single-action carabiner was used. This incorrect equipment was not identified during inspection when the rig was raised, nor was the proper carabiner identified in the safe operating procedure (SOP).
- The crew was experienced but had not stood rods in recently.
- Pressure for operational efficiency did not allow adequate setup.
-
What did they learn?
Actions taken & recommendations:
All single-action carabiners were removed from service and replaced with locking carabiners.
The SOP was reviewed and updated to identify the approved equipment.
A safety stand-down led by the prime contractor was conducted to communicate the importance of taking time to prepare and perform the job safely.
-
Ask yourself or your crew
How can something like this happen here (e.g. on our site)?
What safety measures (i.e. procedures, controls/barriers) do we have in place to mitigate the risk?
How do we know the risk controls/barriers are working?
What improvements or changes should we make to the procedures, controls/barriers or the way we work?
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
What happened?
While servicing a well, a floorhand pushed a suspended rod string over the floor.
As it was lowered to latch into the transfers, the rod string got hung up on the rig floor causing the rod to twist and detach from the rod transfer and carabiner.
The rod transfer and rod string fell approximately 14 meters, and the rod transfer struck the floorhand on the wrist causing injury.


Why did it happen?
- A single-action carabiner was used. This incorrect equipment was not identified during inspection when the rig was raised, nor was the proper carabiner identified in the safe operating procedure (SOP).
- The crew was experienced but had not stood rods in recently.
- Pressure for operational efficiency did not allow adequate setup.


What did they learn?
Actions taken & recommendations:
All single-action carabiners were removed from service and replaced with locking carabiners.
The SOP was reviewed and updated to identify the approved equipment.
A safety stand-down led by the prime contractor was conducted to communicate the importance of taking time to prepare and perform the job safely.


Ask yourself or your crew
How can something like this happen here (e.g. on our site)?
What safety measures (i.e. procedures, controls/barriers) do we have in place to mitigate the risk?
How do we know the risk controls/barriers are working?
What improvements or changes should we make to the procedures, controls/barriers or the way we work?

While servicing a well, a floorhand pushed a suspended rod string over the floor. As it was lowered to latch into the transfers, the rod string got hung up on the rig floor causing the rod to twist and detach from the rod transfer and carabiner. The rod transfer and rod string fell and the rod transfer struck the floorhand causing injury.
Original material courtesy of Energy Safety Canada
Additional related resources:
Energy Safety Canada’s Dropped Object Prevention Program
Dropped Objects Microlearning Video (Youtube)
Energy Safety Canada partnered with DROPS (DropsOnline.org) in the establishment of a Canadian chapter. To become a member, review the Terms of Reference on the Canadian Chapter DROPS website and send an email to express your interest.
Energy Safety Canada’s Live Saving Rules