* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HAZARD ALERT * * * * Produced by: Saskatchewan Human Resources, * * Labour and Employment * * Provided by: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * DERRICKMAN PINNNED WHILE SERVICING PUMPJACK *** SERIOUS INJURY: *** A Saskatchewan oilfield service rig worker was seriously injured recently when he was pinned between th horsehead of a Legrand 320 pumpjack and the fourble board of a service rig. *** WORKER: *** A derrickman with 3 years of related work experience. *** CIRCUMSTANCES: *** The Legrand 320 pumpjack is one of the few models operating in Saskatchewan which is large enough for the horsehead of the walking beam to contact the fourble board of the attending service rig. During servicing, the pumpjack brake will hold only if the pump string is attached to balance the counterweights. If the pumpjack is not attached, as in the case of a broken polished rod, it is possible for the counterweights to move to the bottom position, even if the brake is on. The brake should only be used during routine maintenance, such as the replacement of belts, on pumpjack of this size. To prevent movement of the walking beam, a chain must be run through the pulley wheel and/or a suitable positive locking device used. (When servicing this type of pumpjack, it is not necessary to have the fourble board of the service rig in the down position until after the horsehead is removed.) In this instance, the brake was on but the pulley wheel was not otherwise secured against movement. A service rig (with the fourble board down) was backed up to the pumpjack to assist with the removal of a broken polished rod. The derrickman was on the walking beam, removing the throat bolt from the horsehead. Once the throat bolt was removed, the counterweights moved to the bottom position, shifting the horsehead upwards and pinnning the derrickman between it and the fourble board. *** PREVENTATIVE MEASURES: *** When servicing units of this type, safety chains or equivalent safety devices, must be used to prevent loss of control of the walking beam. Fourble boards should not be lowered until the walking beam is immobilized. Employers must ensure that supervisors comply with safe work practices and legislation and enforce safe work procedures. *** REGULATIONS CONTRAVENED: *** 'The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations', Part XV, section 137, requires employers to ensure that machinery is secured against accidental movement when not in use. Part II, section 6, requires the employer to ensure that the workplace is safely and competently supervised and that supervisors know, follow and enforce safe work procedures. *** FOR MORE INFORMATION: *** The Occupational Health and Safety Branch, 1870 Albert Streeet, Regina, S4P 3V7 (phone 787-4496). Saskatoon office, 3130 - 8th St. East, S7K 2H6 (phone 933-5052). * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *