Incident Report

Subject:                 FOLLOW UP ON PUMP JACK HEAD INCIDENT       

Date of Email reporting Incident:   Tue 11/12/2001 14:17

Report Detail:

Update on the accident where a pumping head from a pumping unit fell and struck a contractor employee.  YOU NEED TO OPEN THESE PICTURES.  It's a real live case of personal protective equipment saving an individual from life threatening injury. 

1. Hard hat damage confirmed to have been struck by falling pumping head.
2. IP had CAT scan etc - no head injury
3. Fracture to femur did not require surgery and should heal ok with just a cast
4. We plan to nominate IP for Golden Hard Hat award - given to survivors who wore their PPE
5. IP released from hospital and attended Millard company Christmas party on Saturday night albeit in a wheelchair, We don't get much luckier that this ... there but for the Grace of God it could have turned out a lot different.

The attached are photos of the hard hat of the IP from the accident described in the safety bulletin attached. An investigation is ongoing and the report will be issued in a few days.  However we wanted to share immediately key leanings from this incident.

1. Wear your PPE -- it can save your life.
2. Be aware of the dangers on overhead loads - keep out from under and a safe distance away.

Additional Information:

SAFETY BULLETIN Date: 7th December 2001

IPI:  B40 ALARM

WHAT HAPPENED:

On December 4th 2001, A service rig was mobilized to work on a production lease.  The work plan required a change out of the pump rods on the well and this was carried out as planned.  On December 5th the final task was to re-install the pump jack head on the pumping unit and re-connect it to the pump rods.  The pump jack head was lifted using the rig winch and positioned on the walking beam and attached using the two side alignment bolts. The winch line was then removed.  While trying to connect the pump rods the head fell from the beam to the ground, rolled over and struck a floor hand who was standing below.  The IP was transferred him to hospital where x-ray revealed a fracture to his right femur.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:

Unexpected movement hazard – the IP was unaware that the head could fall and worked below an unsecured load

Defective Equipment – the method of securing the head to the beam was inadequate and was not as the equipment was designed to be operated.

Failure to recognize the hazard – the fact that the head was not completely secured and that a falling object hazard existed was not recognized.

ROOT CAUSE:

Inadequate Maintenance – a failure to maintain equipment in a fit for purpose condition.

Inadequate work / safety procedures – it was not recognized that the method used to secure the head to the beam was inadequate. The IP was working under an unsecured load.