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Improving Safety in Offshore Crane Operations

So far this year, crane accidents have claimed the lives of four men and injured  others. In response, MMS formed a workgroup to study crane accidents on the OCS.   Due to the serious nature of these crane accidents we issued a National Safety Alert.

Recently, the Workgroup from MMS Headquarters completed a review of crane incidents that occurred between January 1995 and August 1998. The report discusses the Workgroup's review and analysis of the these accidents and makes recommendations for improving crane safety.

The Workgroup looked at 34 crane incidents from 1995 to August 1998. These incidents resulted in 7 fatalities and 20 injuries. The most significant finding of the review was that crane riggers appear to be at the greatest risk during crane operations. During this time period, all 7 of the fatalities and most of the injuries involved crane riggers or other personnel working around cranes.

Summary of the Workgroup's Recommendations to MMS management:
 
bullet Request API to revise API RP 2D to include appropriate training guidelines for crane riggers;
bullet Consider requiring third party inspections/certifications as this may reduce the number of incidents caused by equipment failures;
bullet Review the need for regulating booms and other material-handling equipment because there is a gap in MMS' regulations for this equipment; and
bullet Improve MMS accident investigations and reports to provide a better understanding of why accidents happen and to use investigations as a tool for measuring operator performance.
bullet Hold Industry/MMS workshop on crane safety.

While the report represents the views of the Workgroup and not necessarily the views of MMS, we would like to hear your comments on the report and its recommendations. MMS also wants to hear your thoughts on how to improve the safety of crane operations. Please submit your comments to Bill Hauser (703-787-1613).

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Last Updated: 07/15/2008, 07:39 AM

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