Investigation Report
Assistant Driller Fell from Aerial Work Basket During Counterbalance Installation
10-14-2025 0510 G30876 GB 959 Required Evacuation, LTA (>3 days), Other Lifting Device, Incident >$25K
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Falls from heightHuman factorsLine of fire
- DrillingLifting operationsWorking at height
- CraneFall protection equipmentOperator displays and control interfaces
- Lifting planManagement of changeOperational supervisionSafety communication
- Upstream oil and gas
- Vessel
Summary
Investigation of an assistant driller’s fall of approximately 16 feet from an aerial work basket on the Stena Evolution drillship. A rope parted during counterbalance installation, releasing tension and jolting the basket. Findings address simultaneous personnel and load lifting, bypassed hydraulic safeguards, incorrect harness anchorage, absent lift planning and inadequate management of change.
Classifications: Falls from height; fall from height.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Lifting operations; load lifting; hoisting.
Classifications: Working at height; work at height.
Classifications: Crane; cranes.
Classifications: Fall protection equipment; safety harness; fall arrest equipment.
Classifications: Operator displays and control interfaces.
Classifications: Lifting plan; lift planning.
Classifications: Management of change; MOC; change management.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.