Crown Block on Workover Rig Fails -- Fatality
Effective Date: 7/9/1975
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 026
July 9, 1975
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Crown Block on Workover Rig Fails -- Fatality
A serious accident occurred recently when the crown block failed on an offshore platform workover rig.
The rig was jarring on stuck drill pipe when the welding on the beams supporting the sheave section of the crown block gave way allowing the sheaves, block, and drill line, and other suspended equipment to fall to the rig floor. Two men were struck by the falling equipment. One of the men received fatal injuries and the other was seriously hurt.
To prevent a recurrence of this type of accident the operator offers the following measures:
Insure that all crucial welds on a derrick are x-rayed after it has been manufactured and before it goes on its first job.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area