Our suite of Q2-themed resources includes Learning Event Bulletins that align with the theme ‘Preventing Personal Injuries’.
A drill pad build crew requested a water cart to come to site and refill a water pod on the back of the crew’s truck tray. When the water cart arrived at site it parked next to the tray truck. The operator of the water cart connected a 50mm hose to the rear of the water cart. The hose was given to one of the pad build crew to insert into the water pod – who then got up onto the back of the crew’s truck tray, between the tailgate and the pod, to hold the hose while it filled the water pod.
The water cart operator climbed back into their truck’s cab to operate the tanker Power Take-Off (PTO). Noting that the pad build crew member was holding the hose in place, the water cart operator started up the PTO. The water cart operator noticed that the hose had kicked out and turned off the PTO/water flow. They then went to the back of the water cart to investigate, and noticed the pad build crew worker had fallen approximately 1.2m to the ground.
The pad build crew worker sustained fractures to both wrists.
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Why did it Happen?
The operating pressure had been set at 60-70 psi. The 50mm hose did not have a fitting at its outlet. As such, the water came out at the set pressure in one continuous flow (i.e., didn’t start at a lower pressure and build up to the set pressure). The hose kicked the pad build crew member from the tray truck.
What did they Learn?
- Use Transition to Work and Step 7 Process to review tasks. Ensure the hazards associated with the work method are identified and controls implemented prior to starting work. A JHA had been developed for the work but did not include filling of the water pod.
- A full review of water pod placement has been conducted across all sites. Water Pods were previously used on trailers, which are at a lower height than crew trucks, but these had been removed from all sites and replaced by water pods on the back of crew trucks. There is no record of a Management of Change process / risk assessment.
- The only way to fill the pods is through an opening at the top of the water pod. Full review of water pod filling process has been conducted across all sites ensuring correct equipment is used to transfer water.
- Do not access or work on truck trays without adequate fall prevention controls.
How do HSERs get most value from this Bulletin?
- Print the Bulletin and post it to notice boards.
- Use the Toolbox slide pack to discuss the Bulletin at site safety meetings (e.g. toolbox sessions, pre-start meetings, pre-tours). Discuss the Learning Event and lessons learned AND use it as a chance to discuss “Could this happen to you?”
- Send your feedback to Safer Together: [email protected].
Frontline workers:
- Actively participate in discussions about this Bulletin.
- Ask your frontline leader to provide the opportunity to discuss the Bulletin and download and discuss the Toolbox with your work crew.
- Help your frontline leader provide feedback to Safer Together.