Fatality and Injury -- Crane Accident
Effective Date: 11/8/1978
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 079
November 8, 1978
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Fatality and Injury -- Crane Accident
Two employees were being lifted from the deck of an offshore supply vessel to the upper deck of a platform when the personnel basket became disengaged from the crane's hook. The basket fell and hit the deck of the supply boat, killing one and seriously injuring the other.
All of the equipment was found to be in good working condition. There was no damage to the crane's safety hook, or to the basket connection ring. Along with the personnel basket, a sling was also hanging from the crane's hook. It is assumed that this cable became entangled with the crane's hook, causing the spring-loaded safety latch to open. At the same time the basket must have been jolted, causing the connection ring to jump out of the safety hook.
To prevent a recurrence of this type of accident, the operator has instructed all crane operators:
1. To remove any unnecessary sling or other item suspended from the crane's hook whenever personnel or other objects are being handled.
2. To transfer personnel and equipment according to the procedures set forth in API RP 2D; that is, to position the crane load over water while lifting or lowering.
3. To raise and lower all loads slowly, thus avoiding any jolting of the cargo.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Operations Support
Gulf of Mexico Area