Fatality on Rig Caused by Snagged Barricade   

During drilling operations to re-connect the diverter, a welding crew was lifted from the texas deck using an air hoist, with the hoist assembly run through the rotary.  The hoist assembly included an un-shimmed 7/8-inch shackle installed pin-side up.  As the hoist assembly passed through the rotary, the shackle pin snagged a barricade placed around the rotary, lifting it 45 feet into the air.   

The spotter on the drill floor failed to observe the barricade being snagged, probably because he had other duties to perform.  After the barricade was lifted, the spotter returned to the rotary just as the barricade disengaged from the shackle.  The barricade fell, striking the spotter, causing injuries that led to his death.  A complete account of the accident is available on the MMS website at

http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/offshore/safety/acc_repo/accindex.html  The MMS recommends:

·         Offshore crews should carefully inspect all lifting assemblies prior to use. 

·         Crews should follow guidelines for use of lifting components, including shimming all pad eyes to the proper tolerances recommended by manufacturers. 

·         Rigs should hold a detailed JSA meeting discussing any simultaneous operations being conducted when man-riding activities are planned.