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What happened?
During a transfer from a Crew transfer vessel (CTV) to an offshore platform, a technician experienced shoulder pain while climbing a ladder.
The individual was clipped into a self-retracting lifeline and believed the discomfort was due to a twisted harness strap.
Upon reaching the platform, the individual sought first aid, and pain increased during suit removal, at which time emergency procedures were activated, and the individual was evacuated by helicopter.
Medical assessment confirmed soft tissue damage, resulting in time off work.
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Why did it happen?
The harness strap was correctly positioned, but several factors contributed to the injury while extended duty periods and travel may have led to fatigue, adding to the injury.
Cold conditions and carrying equipment before boarding may have affected muscle readiness.
Movement of the vessel during transfer likely caused strain when stepping onto the ladder.
Suboptimal positioning during the transfer increased the risk of injury.
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What did they learn?
Fatigue management protocols should be reviewed and strengthened.
Crew should report wellbeing concerns, no matter how mundane, as early as possible.
Emergency communication procedures must be clear and consistent.
Personnel should be familiar with emergency response plans and communication trees.
Transfer procedures should be assessed for ergonomic and environmental risks.
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Ask yourself or your crew
Are our crew transfer procedures optimised for safety and comfort?
How do we monitor and manage fatigue among offshore personnel?
Are emergency communication protocols clearly understood and followed?
What environmental factors could affect physical readiness during transfers?
How can we improve ladder access and positioning during vessel-to-platform movements?
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What happened?
During a transfer from a Crew transfer vessel (CTV) to an offshore platform, a technician experienced shoulder pain while climbing a ladder.
The individual was clipped into a self-retracting lifeline and believed the discomfort was due to a twisted harness strap.
Upon reaching the platform, the individual sought first aid, and pain increased during suit removal, at which time emergency procedures were activated, and the individual was evacuated by helicopter.
Medical assessment confirmed soft tissue damage, resulting in time off work.
Why did it happen?
The harness strap was correctly positioned, but several factors contributed to the injury while extended duty periods and travel may have led to fatigue, adding to the injury.
Cold conditions and carrying equipment before boarding may have affected muscle readiness.
Movement of the vessel during transfer likely caused strain when stepping onto the ladder.
Suboptimal positioning during the transfer increased the risk of injury.
What did they learn?
Fatigue management protocols should be reviewed and strengthened.
Crew should report wellbeing concerns, no matter how mundane, as early as possible.
Emergency communication procedures must be clear and consistent.
Personnel should be familiar with emergency response plans and communication trees.
Transfer procedures should be assessed for ergonomic and environmental risks.
Ask yourself or your crew
Are our crew transfer procedures optimised for safety and comfort?
How do we monitor and manage fatigue among offshore personnel?
Are emergency communication protocols clearly understood and followed?
What environmental factors could affect physical readiness during transfers?
How can we improve ladder access and positioning during vessel-to-platform movements?
The technician felt shoulder pain during the CTV transfer. He sought first aid, the pain worsened, and he was evacuated. Doctors confirmed soft tissue damage.
