Fatality -- Man Knocked Overboard
Effective Date: 2/26/1976
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 038
February 26, 1976
An accident occurred recently on an offshore drilling rig which resulted in a crewman being knocked overboard and drowned.
The drilling crew was dismantling equipment around the wellhead in the keyway area of the rig. A floorman wearing a lifejacket and safety belt with safety blocks was preparing to attach the safety blocks when the end of the flowline swung around and knocked him overboard. He remained afloat for a short period of time, but submerged before he could be rescued.
To prevent a recurrence of this accident, the operator has taken the following action:
1. The operator's drilling representatives have been instructed to insure that safe practices are employed in their rig work.
2. The drilling contractor has been instructed to rig safety nets in the keyway area.
3. The drilling contractor has been instructed to rig lines across the keyway to permit snapping on the safety blocks prior to entering the keyway.
4. The drilling contractor has been instructed to snub flowlines to the floor to prevent them from swinging across the keyway.
[signed] D.J. Bourgeois
for D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area