Beam fell about 15 metres landing on the deck of the offshore oil platform
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) has reported that a potentially catastrophic incident occurred at the Hibernia Platform on July 25, 2023.
During lifting operations to transfer a chemical tank from the platform to a support vessel by crane, a 1.8-kilogram timber beam fell approximately 15 metres to the deck of the vessel.
Fortunately, there were no injuries as no personnel were present within the designated lifting exclusion zones on either the platform or the vessel at the time of the incident.
According to the C-NLOPB's news release, the Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) promptly notified them of the incident. The C-NLOPB has since taken charge of monitoring the investigation into the root cause of the incident, which HMDC has initiated.
While no injuries were sustained in the accident, the C-NLOPB emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme (DROPS) calculator indicated the potential for a fatality.
The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and adherence to lifting exclusion zones during such operations.
The C-NLOPB's priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all personnel working in the offshore industry. By promptly investigating the incident and working closely with HMDC, the regulator aims to prevent future occurrences and improve overall safety standards.
The incident serves as a reminder to all companies operating within the offshore sector to uphold the highest safety standards and maintain strict adherence to safety protocols during lifting and other potentially hazardous operations. The C-NLOPB will continue to closely monitor the investigation, and any findings will be used to strengthen safety measures across the industry.
