* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HAZARD ALERT * * * * Produced by: Saskatchewan Human Resources, * * Labour and Employment * * Provided by: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * WHILE BEING LOWERED, A SERVICE RIG FLOOR FALLS WITHOUT RESTRAINT, STRIKING WORKER *** FATAL INJURY: *** A Saskatchewan service rig hand was killed when he was struck by a rig floor which, while being lowered, fell into horizontal position. *** CIRCUMSTANCES: *** The rig crew had completed running tubing and removing the blow out preventors. The rig floor was raised in the vertical position next to the derrick. The operator momentarily left the controls, after instructing a derrick hand to lower the rig floor. The floor was tied back with chain attached to the derrick structure. The hoisting attachment used in hoisting and lowering the rig floor was a grab hook welded to the underside of the rig floor. An investigation revealed that the winch line chain attachment (used to raise and lower the rig floor) was not attached securely to the rig floor grab hook. Consequently, when the rig floor hold-back chain was released from the derrrick structure and the floor was pushed outward from the derrick, it was able to fall into horizontal position without restraint. The victim was within the travel range of the floor and was struck on the head. *** PREVENTATIVE MEASURES: *** 1. Develop, implement and enforce safe work procedures for lowering any load in the vicinity of workers. 2. Use rigging components which cannot be dislodged during operations. 3. Develop, implement and enforce a regular rigging inspection program to ensure each component will safely perform any intended task. *** REGULATIONS CONTRAVENED: *** The 'Occupational Health and Safety Regulations', section 213 requires an employer to develop procedures for the safe operation and use of every hoist and ensure that every operator of such equipment is thoroughly instructed in those procedures. Section 229(4) requires the employer to ensure that all rigging and components of rigging are inspected thoroughly at appropriate intervals to ensure that they will safely perform their intended function. Section 229(j) requires the employer to ensure every hook used in any circumstances where the dislodgement of the hook could cause injury to workers is secured by a safety latch, mousing or shackle. *** FOR MORE INFORMATION: *** The Occupational Health and Safety Branch, 1870 Albert Street, Regina, S4P 3V7 (phone 787-4496). Saskatoon office: 3130-8th St. East, S7K 2H6 (phone 933-5052). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *