HEALTH & SAFETY
Dropped object prevention solution MITIGATING DROPS OFFSHORE
A clever solution that helps to eliminate the risk of dropped objects to offshore workers
In the oil and gas industry, dropped objects are a signifi cant safety hazard. Off shore environments, with their complex structures and harsh conditions, make this risk even more pronounced. Equipment and fi xtures at height can become loose or corroded due to constant exposure to weather and vibrations. These incidents can lead to costly operational disruptions, severe injuries, and even fatalities, making preventive measures essential for maintaining safety.
A REAL-LIFE INCIDENT: LESSONS FROM THE FIELD Consider a February 2019 incident on an off shore facility. A 15-kilogram fi xture fell 15 metres owing to corrosion and extreme weather. This incident, which could have been fatal
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for workers below, highlights the critical need for proactive measures. It underscores the importance of addressing dropped object hazards before they result in profound consequences.
EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS: THE HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS Addressing the risks of dropped objects requires a structured approach based on the hierarchy of controls. The hierarchy of controls is a systematic approach to hazard mitigation, prioritising elimination as well as, engineering and administrative controls: 1. Elimination: First, assess if fi xtures need to be positioned at height. Relocating has the potential to eliminate the risk entirely.
2. Engineering controls: When relocation is not feasible, secondary retention solutions, such as safety nets, are crucial. These nets enclose and tether fi xtures, preventing them from falling should primary supports fail.
3. Administrative controls: Regular inspections are vital. Routine checks allow for early detection of degradation, enabling timely maintenance and repairs.
A WELL-ENGINEERED SOLUTION Dropsafe off ers an immediate and reliable solution to mitigate dropped object risks, which is the best choice when elimination of the risk is simply not possible. Dropsafe Nets provide instant
protection, preventing fi xtures of any size from falling and the company
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