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Metal sign missed during DROPS assessment falls 8m(26ft) to drill floor

  • What happened?

    A cherry picker was being used for making up a casing spear.

    The cherry picker hit a stand of drill collars in the aft setback area.

    The vibrations caused a 0,76kg metal sign to break off.

    The sign fell 8m(26ft) to the drill floor, inside the exclusion (red) zone.

    Thanks to good practice, no workers were in the red zone while the cherry picker was moving, so no one was injured.

    Metal sign on scaffolding
  • Why did it happen?

    The sign was in an exposed position and likely to hit stands in the aft setback area.

    The sign had not been recorded in the DROPS register as a risk.

    Although it had no functionality, the sign had not been removed.

    Position of personnel and equipment in relation to where the sign landed
  • What did they learn?

    Review the DROPS manual to identify potential risks onsite.

    Check drill floor equipment for signage – if they have no functionality, remove them.

    What learn - icon
  • Ask yourself or your crew

    What are the DROPS risks on your site? How do you know all risks have been identified?

    What risk assessments do you carry out before starting work?

    What is the process for reporting a DROPS risk?

    How is your exclusion zone marked? What should you do if you think the exclusion zone is not big enough or anything else looks unsafe?

    Ask your crew - icon
Published on 16/11/20 1328 Views

A cherry picker hit a stand of drill collars, causing a 0,76kg metal sign to break off and fall 8m (26ft) to the drill floor. Thanks to good practice, no workers were in the red zone while the cherry picker was moving, so no one was injured.