Activity
Drilling
Drilling wells and associated operational tasks.
Newest 100 Documents
All 591 in search- 202631 Mar
Source control planning and procedures information paper
This information paper sets out regulatory expectations for offshore loss-of-well-control preparedness across environment plans, well operations management plans and safety cases. It covers capping-stack selection and deployment, relief-well design and dynamic kill analysis, plume modelling, subsea dispersant supply, water-column monitoring, response-time modelling, coordinated operations and readiness exercises.
- 202631 Mar
Staged WOMP submission process
NOPSEMA describes its preferred phased submission of well operations management plans, separating lifecycle management processes from construction, production and abandonment detail. The paper explains concept-selection and detailed-design submissions, risk registers, barrier acceptance criteria, change management and regulatory inspections, while allowing titleholders to retain their existing submission structure.
- 2026Jan
D-PINCs (Operators Version - Jan 2026) — Drilling
A regulatory checklist for oil and gas drilling, linking numbered compliance questions to statutory authorities and enforcement actions. It addresses approvals, diverter configuration and testing, casing installation, cement placement, drilling-fluid management and monitoring. Further checks cover ventilation, gas detection, ignition prevention and retention of drilling and test records.
- 2026Jan
Well Operations
An inspection guide presenting compliance questions for well operations under Subpart G, with regulatory authorities and enforcement codes. It covers casing and liner integrity, surface and subsea blowout preventer configuration, pressure and function testing, maintenance and records, alongside specific requirements for coiled tubing and snubbing systems.
- 2025Dec
Office PINC List
An office compliance checklist pairs regulatory questions with cited authorities and enforcement codes. It covers operational approvals, structural records, financial security, well-control competence, spill preparedness, drilling and decommissioning. Further checks address pipeline maintenance and reporting, reservoir conservation, production measurement, and geological and geophysical permits and data submissions.
- 202512 Jun
Environmental Alert 001/2025
This alert reminds offshore chemical permit holders that assessed usage and injection concentrations are binding limits. Inspections identified exceedances during abnormal operations and inadequate monitoring by well section during drilling. Operators must establish compliance-tracking mechanisms; these should be available offshore to chemical users.
- 20248 Oct
Dropped Object – Mud Hose Lifting Collar Insert
An incident account describes half of a mud hose lifting collar insert detaching at the top-drive end and falling onto the drill floor within the red zone as casing running began. The newly installed assembly had undergone multiple dropped-object inspections during the yard stay and subsequent top-hole drilling.
- 202424 Jul
Uncontrolled release of lower marine riser package
Following unlatching from the BOP ahead of pending weather, an uncontrolled riser-string release left the lower marine riser package on the seabed. Five droop hoses initially connected the upright string to the rig, then failed, allowing it to fall away from infrastructure. No personnel injuries or subsea asset damage were reported.
- 20244 Jan
Rig worker falls while descending derrick ladder
A worker slipped while descending a derrick ladder after untying a lashed double stand of drill pipe. The worker had connected a full-body harness to the fall-arrest system’s cable sleeve before descending, but fell 6–7 ft (approximately 2 m) onto an intermediate platform.
- 20237 Aug
Crew member caught between hydratong and pipe stump
A drill crew member tying slips during tripping operations was caught between a moving hydratong and a pipe stump in the rotary. The reported injuries were minor, but the account highlights significant potential for much more serious injury or a fatality.
- 2023May
Hydrogen Sulfide
Regulatory inspection questions address areas classified as hydrogen sulphide present or unknown. They cover contingency plans, training, drills, gas detection, respiratory protection, ventilation and medical equipment. Further checks address soluble sulphide testing, well-control fluid treatment, flaring, detector testing intervals and corrosion-resistant materials during well and production operations.
- 20238 Mar
Khamsin Drillship Fatality (update)
A drillship crewmember died after a stuck hydraulic torque wrench, tensioned with a hydraulic utility winch, released upwards and struck him during riser bolt removal. The alert identifies training, communication, design and oversight shortcomings, and recommends operators and contractors consider improved job analysis, training, stop-work intervention and observer responsibilities.
- 20231 Feb
Drill string severed/parted while laying down drill pipe
During drill-pipe laydown, the crew heated an over-torqued connection with a propane weed burner after closing the BOP rams. Following separation of the connection, the driller hoisted the remaining string into the still-closed pipe rams, causing it to part approximately four feet below the elevators.
- 202230 Nov
LTI: person suffered serious crush injuries
An offshore drilling assistant suffered serious crush injuries after leaning between guard railings and becoming trapped between a compensator carriage and rooster box. The flash identifies shortcomings in supervision, procedures, hazard assessment, communication and application of previous lessons, and highlights stop-work intervention and respect for safety barriers.
- 20225 Sep
Fall leading to serious personal injury
A crew member fell while manoeuvring a drill tool alone aboard a moving vessel, sustaining concussion and soft tissue injuries. The flash identifies shortcomings in task risk assessment and work instructions, discusses slippery conditions and drill-floor layout, and records revised methods, handling equipment changes and a successful planned medical emergency response.
- 202212 May
IOGP: Dropped object with potential for injury – riser release
This flash describes premature anchor-tool release during recovery of a 16-inch riser from a jack-up drilling unit. The riser dropped approximately 14 metres, damaging the subsea wellhead sealing face without injuries. It reports pull-test and load-rating discrepancies and relays IOGP’s recommendation for continuous pressure energisation of the tool’s slip mechanism.
- 202122 Oct
Floorman arm pinned by Pipe Handling Equipment
This partial incident account describes a drilling crew running the drill string into a primary well. Pipe handling equipment moved stands from the fingerboard to well centre while floormen operated fingers manually. A floorman was securing an open finger latch at upper derrick level; the supplied excerpt ends before describing the incident.
- 202116 Aug
Drawworks Parking Brake Failure
Repeated drawworks parking brake failures culminated in identification of leaking pneumatic circuit components after earlier repairs and successful tests. One failure allowed the travelling block to descend 5 feet, damaging drill pipe. BSEE recommends considering pressure-based engagement checks, additional indicators, component testing and replacement frequencies, and preventive maintenance of the rig air supply.
- 202124 May
Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Lithium Thionyl Chloride Cell Battery Explosion
An explosion occurred during the second attempt to lower a measurement while drilling tool into a drill collar. A discharged vent plug shattered the driller’s cabin glass, sending glass and chemicals inside. The driller was struck in the face and neck; other rig-floor employees sustained minor injuries from concussion and gas release.
- 202130 Apr
Dropped Joint of Casing while using a Casing Running Tool (CRT)
During casing running, a driller raised a casing joint to approximately 30 feet before the external casing running tool backed out at the bottom of its extension sub and fell onto the rig floor. The nearest worker, a third-party tong operator, was 5 feet from the impact point. Nobody was injured.
- 20218 Apr
H2S Alarm Activation
An alert describes hydrogen sulphide detection at surface during drilling of a well’s casing shoe track, upon bottoms up. The previously cemented well had been suspended for 30 days, with untreated spacer fluid remaining inside the casing. Rig and mudlogging sensors near the shale shakers recorded 57 ppm and 43 ppm respectively.
- 20216 Apr
Two LTI’s result from dropped object while preparing to run BOP
An alert describes two lost-time injuries during preparation to deploy a BOP following blind shear ram repairs. Grating detached from a support dog as the spider dogs opened, fell through the rotary table, struck the riser adapter and deflected into two workers preparing the first riser joint.
- 20218 Mar
Inadequate Preparations in Advance of Inclement Weather Results in Excessive Rig Damage and Risk to Personnel
A drillship sustained substantial riser and related equipment damage during Hurricane Zeta after delayed evacuation and an emergency disconnect. No personnel casualties were reported. The alert recommends considering improvements to evacuation planning, well-securing procedures, shared emergency authority, weather communication, disconnect criteria and verification of equipment design limits.
- 202119 Jan
Well Control - Issue 6
An offshore well-control inspection guide using questions, model answers and success criteria to assess operational arrangements. It examines conventional, high-pressure high-temperature and managed pressure drilling, including BOP assurance, kick detection, hydraulic modelling, fingerprinting, pressure relief, contingency procedures and crew training. Inspection scoring supports subsequent regulatory intervention planning.
- 202119 Jan
Wells Personnel Competency Management System – Issue 6
An HSE inspection guide for assessing wells personnel competence management systems. It sets performance criteria and interview, record-sampling and scoring frameworks, covering individual and team assessment, contractor assurance, assessor training and external audit. Discussion includes non-technical skills, well-control drills and simulation-based training for challenging wells.
- 202031 Dec
The Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Production, Unloading and Storage (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2020 – A Guide
Explains environmental assessment and consent procedures under the 2020 offshore EIA regulations. Covers screening, environmental statements, baseline surveys, alternatives, cumulative effects, mitigation and public consultation. Provides application requirements for drilling, pipelines and production changes, including PETS submissions, approval variations, reporting and enforcement.
- 20204 Sep
Dropped Object from Derrick
Part of a seized guide sheave fell approximately 15 m onto a drilling vessel’s drill floor while drill pipe was being run. Nobody was injured. The flash identifies design, installation, inspection and retention shortcomings, and describes changes to preventative maintenance, contractor reporting and protected standing areas within revised red zones.
- 202014 Jul
Catastrophic Failure of Mud Centrifuge
A mud centrifuge failed catastrophically during drilling-fluid processing, ejecting a 65 lb pillow block bearing assembly. It travelled approximately 190 ft and struck living-quarter trailer steps. The gearbox, back-drive electric motor, coupler and associated components also became dislodged but remained within the centrifuge platform.
- 202030 Jun
Crewman caught in the line of fire while using Riser Torque Wrench
This alert describes a crewman’s line-of-fire exposure during riser flange bolt removal while pulling a Lower Marine Riser Package assembly. The task used a hydraulic riser torque wrench suspended from a remotely controlled utility winch through a spring compensator, allowing manual positioning onto and off bolts.
- 202028 Apr
LTI: Worker lost his thumb
An assistant driller lost his left thumb above the knuckle while releasing an Inner Barrel from an Overshot during core sampling. The barrel dropped under its own weight, trapping his thumb against the casing. Actions included revising work instructions and reminding crews to use the appropriate Lay Key.
- 20206 Feb
Casing Elevators Not Latched Properly Result in a Dropped Joint of Casing
During casing running, an incorrectly inserted elevator pin preceded full latch closure, allowing the elevators to open while hoisting a joint of 9-5/8″ casing. The joint bounced in the handling trough and fell onto gull wings beside the catwalk. No injuries occurred, but serious injury or equipment damage potential was reported as very high.
- 20209 Jan
Employee Struck by Drill Line When the Wire Rope Grip (Snake) Parted
A drilling crew was replacing a 2-inch drill line when the wire rope grip, known as a snake, parted as the driller took up slack using the drawworks. The line fell onto the rig floor and struck a floorman, injuring his ribs and back.
- 2020
Fact Sheet BSEE BOEM Proposed Arctic Rule 2020
Fact sheet outlining proposed changes to Arctic exploratory drilling regulations, informed by research and Alaska Native consultations. It explains seasonal lease suspensions, mud and cuttings provisions, source-control equipment deployment, conditional capping-stack and relief-rig staging, subsea isolation alternatives, mudline cellars and removal of the Integrated Operation Plan requirement.
- 201925 Oct
Safety Alert 369 - Non-OEM Parts Were Significant Causal Factors in Two Recent Loss of Control of Traveling Block Incidents
Two travelling-block incidents involved incorrect non-OEM parts: a broken brake assembly pin in 2019 and improperly sized drill-line clamps and bolts in 2017. The alert recommends that operators consider drawworks inspections, manufacturer-aligned maintenance, verification of critical component dimensions and materials, and management-of-change review for non-OEM parts.
- 201913 Aug
Safety Alert 364 - Improper Riser Tension Leads to Subsea BOP Falling Off Wellhead Mandrel and Failure of Riser Adapter
A subsea BOP tilted during disconnection after insufficient riser tension overloaded its adapter, which subsequently failed, leaving the BOP on the seafloor. The well had been plugged and no pollution occurred. BSEE recommends considering calculated unlatching procedures, tension verification hold points, safe operating parameters and renewed risk assessments for well-to-well BOP moves.
- 201916 Jul
High potential near miss: Dropped object during piggyback drilling operations
A safety flash describes inadvertent sample-winch activation during piggyback drilling. An 11 kg overshot snagged on a ladder safety hoop, separated from its wire and fell approximately 8 m, without injury or damage. Lessons address console ergonomics, design risk assessment, familiarisation assessment and preventive maintenance documentation.
- 20191 Jul
Well drilled in the wrong place breaches railway tunnel
An exploratory well drilled during a Paris underground railway extension breached an existing tunnel, admitting groundwater and mud and closing the line for three days. No injuries were reported. The flash identifies missing client approval and surveyor validation, and recommends obtaining professional surveying advice for positioning operations.
- 201912 Jun
Pryor Trust Fatal Gas Well Blowout and Fire
Investigation of an Oklahoma gas-well blowout and fire that killed five workers in the driller’s cabin. It examines underbalanced drilling, tripping methods, missed influx indications, disabled alarms, procedural and change-management deficiencies, blocked escape routes and unsuccessful blowout-preventer closure. Recommendations address drilling regulation, barrier assurance, alarm design and operating practices.
- 201929 May
Safety Alert 351 - BSEE Identifies Rig Operations Hazards during Risk Based Inspections
BSEE summarises performance-based risk inspections of 11 Gulf of Mexico rigs following a review of 2016–2018 compliance and incident data. Findings address contractor communication, emergency drills, short-service employees, fitness for duty, safe zones, fall protection, grounding and man riding. Recommendations focus on reviewing procedures and strengthening equipment integrity arrangements.
- 201920 Mar
Near miss: Winch wire snagged and released suddenly
A land-based drilling near miss involved a winch-wire thimble snagging on the rig chassis while the mast was raised. Increasing tension bent the thimble, releasing the wire and hoist plug near the driller. Lessons address safe wire positioning, snagging checks, routine-task complacency and reviews of procedures and risk assessments.
- 201915 Jan
Racker Cab Window Pane Falls to Drill Floor
During tripping operations with 4-inch drill pipe, a racker operator knocked on the cab window to attract the roughnecks’ attention and confirm stand preparation and clearance. The pane became dislodged and fell approximately 13.5 ft to the drill floor, resting on the mouse hole. No one was struck.
- 2019
Proposed Well Control Rule Revisions Fact Sheet
Technical fact sheet summarising BSEE’s final revisions to well-control regulations for offshore oil and gas operations. It explains changes to real-time monitoring, independent verification, accumulator requirements and alternating BOP testing schedules, alongside retained provisions for double shear rams, maintenance, ROV intervention and source control.
- 20181 Feb
Fatality – Struck By/Caught Between Pipe Handling Catwalk Machine
This alert describes a fatal crushing incident on a dynamically positioned drillship during pipe handling and running in the hole. A floorhand left a step-back area and stood beside a stanchion post. Movement of the catwalk machine away from well centre trapped him between its platform and the post.
- 20175 Dec
Safety Alert 326 - Floorhand Pinned in Hazardous Area
A floorhand handling pipe on a Gulf of Mexico drillship was fatally pinned between a retracting skate’s loading platform and a stanchion inside a controlled red zone. Causes remained under investigation. BSEE recommends reviewing hazardous areas and safe practices, and considering zone marking, access training, crew discussion and equipment-layout review.
- 201712 Jul
Crown Saver Device – Near Miss
A near-miss alert describes rig operation without confirmation that the crown saver device was correctly set. Travelling equipment could have crowned out, potentially parting the drill line and dropping blocks. The alert requires drillers to check the device before operating the rig.
- 201712 Jul
Drill Pipe Screen Lodging in Top Drive Results in Near Hit
The supplied account describes several incidents involving drill pipe screens lodging in top drives after pressure release from a mud pump pressure relief system. In some cases, screens subsequently became dislodged while the top drive travelled overhead, resulting in significant near hits.
- 201712 Jul
Dropped Casing Results in Equipment Damage
During casing running, a joint escaped an automated single-joint elevator positioned approximately eight metres above the rig floor. It slid down the V-door, travelled along the catwalk and passed over a stopper and handrail before striking an exhaust-pipe protection frame, then rebounding onto stacked casing.
- 20176 Apr
Safety Alert 324 - Serious Incidents Associated with Pipe Racking Systems
This alert describes four automatic pipe-racking incidents involving unsecured stands, latch failures and guide head claws, including a fatal recoil strike. BSEE recommends inspection before the next well and encourages review of training and work instructions. Operators should consider position sensors, low-pressure detection, movement interlocks and cameras.
- 20173 Mar
2017-001 KC 96 Investigation of October 20, 2015 Fatality During Pipe Handling, Lease OCS-G 33531, Keathley Canyon Block 96 Drillship Pacific Santa Ana
BSEE investigates a fatal pipe-handling incident aboard Pacific Santa Ana during tripping operations. A failed fingerboard latch seal allowed a latch to close, obstructing a pipe stand that bowed and recoiled into a floor hand. The report examines control-display limitations, task allocation, risk assessment, training and supervision.
- 201628 Jun
Environmental Assessment
Final environmental assessment comparing regulatory alternatives for exploratory drilling in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas. It evaluates direct, indirect and cumulative effects of drilling-waste capture, well monitoring, source control, relief rigs and spill preparedness, balancing potential environmental benefits against additional operational disturbance and risks associated with more frequent BOP testing.
- 201627 Jun
Safety Alert 320 - Automatic Pipe Handling System Drops Drill Pipe
A drill ship’s automatic pipe-loading system lifted drill pipe against a misplaced utility cart, causing imbalance and a 30-foot fall through the deck. The alert identifies failed obstruction checks, describes designated cart parking and added physical barriers, and recommends reviewing loading systems and considering ways to avoid obstructions.
- 2016Jun
Regulatory Impact Analysis
Final regulatory impact analysis assesses Arctic offshore exploratory drilling requirements through a ten-year numbered scenario. It distinguishes baseline and incremental compliance costs, applies two discount rates, and evaluates potential avoided spill consequences. Substantive measures include source-control equipment, relief rigs, operational planning, testing, training and audits; benefit estimates retain substantial uncertainty.
- 201620 Apr
Macondo Blowout and Explosion
Volume 3 examines human and organisational factors in the Macondo incident, including temporary abandonment, negative-test interpretation and riser gas handling. It analyses barrier assurance, change management, incident learning, process-safety indicators and corporate governance, contrasting written policies with operational practice and proposing improvements to major accident prevention.
- 201613 Apr
Dropped object fell 12m and hit worker
This safety flash describes a link pin becoming loose from a hook while a drilling contractor was tripping pipe out of a hole. The pin fell 12 metres to the deck, bounced and dealt a glancing blow to a worker’s left jaw/neck area. It weighed 0.6 kg.
- 201511 Nov
Fatality on Drill Floor
A drilling alert describes a fatality during casing running using a hydraracker. A landing-string stand became blocked at the lower finger board while the operator continued retracting the arms. Stored energy was released when the lower tailing-arm latches failed to withstand the forces, causing the stand to recoil and strike a worker.
- 201522 Oct
RWC – Caught between: Finger smashed by tooling
A crewman sustained multiple right ring-finger fractures after his hand became trapped in a tong latch used for drill-pipe handling. The flash identifies incorrect tooling, unused handles and omission of job hazard analysis for a routine task. Tool positioning also prevented the supervising driller from observing the work.
- 20157 Oct
Disabled and Non-Functional Safety Devices Leads to Destruction of Derrick Board
A drilling alert describes elevators bending a derrick diving board as the drill string was lowered. The driller attempted to float the elevators but did not notice that they remained extended. The link-tilt warning light was non-functional, and the electronic anti-collision shutdown system had been manually switched off.
- 201524 Jul
Poor Situation Awareness/Line of Fire Incident Results in OSHA Recordable
Two crew members tightening bolts during nipple-up used a three-foot rope to hold a hammer wrench after anticipating a hammer strike. As they moved around the stack, the rope holder entered the line of fire. A glancing hammer blow struck his mouth, causing an OSHA-recordable injury.
- 201524 Jul
RWC – Smashed Finger on Tongs
This alert describes a finger injury during tripping of drill pipe stands. A worker helping the tong operator sustained crushing between the latch jaw handle and latch lug jaw. Assessment at an onshore clinic identified multiple fractures of his right ring finger.
- 2015Jul
2015-002 ST 220 Investigation of Loss of Well Control and Fire, Gulf of Mexico, July 23, 2013, South Timbalier Area Block 220, Well No. A-3 OCS-G 24980
BSEE investigates the South Timbalier A-3 blowout and subsequent fire during well completion on Hercules 265. It examines temperature-dependent brine density, seepage losses, kick recognition, shut-in procedures and unsuccessful BOP sealing. The report documents evacuation, depletion-relief drilling, regulatory findings and recommendations; the ignition source remains unknown.
- 20159 Apr
Unintentional Unlatching of an Air Operated Elevator
An alert describes the driller unintentionally opening a 350-ton air-operated elevator during single-joint drill-pipe operations. A single joint of drill pipe dropped onto the drill floor from a height of approximately three metres, then came to rest on the derrick structure.
- 201510 Feb
Environmental Assessment
Draft environmental assessment comparing proposed Arctic exploratory drilling rules with alternatives, including no action. It examines pollution prevention, blowout-preventer testing, well monitoring, containment equipment and relief-rig availability in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Analysis considers potential spill consequences, marine wildlife, subsistence practices and additional operational effects.
- 2015
Hydraulic Fracturing Primer 2015
An American Petroleum Institute overview presents hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling alongside their claimed energy and economic benefits. It explains well construction and stimulation, state and federal regulation, groundwater protection, water reuse, methane emissions and seismic monitoring, with examples of technologies intended to reduce environmental impacts.
- 2014Oct
guide to the health and safety regulatory regime
Guidance for planners explains HSE’s regulation of shale gas wells and its relationship with planning authorities and environmental regulators. It describes lifecycle well integrity, steel casing and cement, abandonment plugs, advance notifications, weekly reporting and independent well examination, alongside hydraulic fracturing consent requirements and routes for raising site concerns.
- 201421 Aug
Improper Pulling of Rotary Table Bushing Results in Partial Finger Amputation
An alert describes a partial left ring-finger amputation during rotary bushing removal using a puller attached to a winch line. After the bushing halves came free, one swung towards the console. An employee tried to catch it, and its momentum drove his hand into the derrick. Proper PPE was not questioned.
- 201421 Aug
Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) Anchor Post Failure Results in Near Miss
A drilling crew noticed a self-retracting lifeline anchor post hanging beside the mast after a third-party employee alerted them. Operations stopped, revealing a fracture at the gusset top. The post apparently fell towards the mast and stopped on impacting the lifeline unit, which lay over the crown.
- 201431 Jul
Safety Alert 313 - Snake Grip Failure on Drill Line
A drill line escaped its snake grip during block stringing on a Gulf of Mexico platform rig, striking the winch operator. BSEE identified inadequate degreasing and incorrect securing methods as contributing factors. Recommendations address manufacturer instructions, grip sizing, cable preparation, proper clamps, winch speed and keeping personnel clear of drop zones where possible.
- 201421 Jul
Dropped Object Results in Near Miss
A brass thrust washer fell from a derrick crown sheave, narrowly missing a worker during cementing pipe handling. Inspection found lateral movement of the sheave pin, a leaning sheave and sheared locking plate bolts. Personnel accessed the crown for inspection and repair, and rig operations were suspended.
- 201421 Jul
Lack of Communication/Failure to Stop Job Results in Fatality
During casing operations, a crew continued using a rented forklift despite an incorrectly secured fork carriage. Attempts to reposition the forks dislodged the carriage, which fell onto a worker standing beneath it and caused fatal injuries. The account highlights misunderstanding of hydraulic pins and an unheeded warning about the worker’s position.
- 201420 Jun
Improper Hand Placement Results in Amputation
A casing employee suffered fingertip amputations during casing-running operations. While seeking leverage and moving elevator links aside, he placed fingers inside the casing. The casing running tool was being lowered to fill the casing and trapped his fingers between the tool and casing.
- 20145 Jun
Macondo Volume 1 Final Report
Volume 1 examines the Macondo blowout during temporary abandonment aboard Deepwater Horizon. It explains deepwater drilling, cement barriers, drilling-fluid pressure and positive and negative pressure tests. The report describes inadequate barrier assurance, separator overload and drillpipe buckling that inhibited BOP sealing, followed by explosions, fire and fatal injuries.
- 20145 Jun
Macondo Volume 2 Final Report
Volume 2 examines the Deepwater Horizon blowout preventer’s failure to seal the Macondo well, including off-centre drillpipe buckling, miswired solenoid valves and emergency-system assurance gaps. It uses forensic testing and modelling to assess barrier performance, comparing regulatory approaches and recommending lifecycle management and independent verification of safety-critical elements.
- 201421 Apr
Dropped Landing String Results in Near Miss
This alert describes a near miss during upper completion work using a VAM Top FE landing string. After lifting approximately five feet, the latch on the 250 ton side-door elevators failed and the string dropped through the rotary. No personnel were injured; the blocks were lowered for closer inspection.
- 201421 Apr
Lack of Communication Results in Fatality
A mechanic was fatally trapped in an iron roughneck while investigating a burst hydraulic hose during tubular handling. He returned through restricted access without announcing his arrival and entered a carriage gap. The alert describes machine mode changes, continued pipe handling and signage requiring notification of the driller before entry.
- 201421 Mar
Arm Caught in Pinch Point on Hydraulic Catwalk Results in Deep Contusion
An employee sustained a deep contusion when his left forearm became trapped between casing and a hydraulic catwalk’s indexer arm. The incident occurred while rolling a 13 3/8-inch casing joint onto the catwalk and moving away on snow-covered ground. The alert notes the potential for multiple arm fractures.
- 201419 Feb
Air Winch Line Caught in Derrick Fingers Results in an Employee Being Pulled Off of the Rig Floor
An alert describes an air winch line trapped in derrick fingers during installation of a fill and circulation tool. After the tool was lowered to unload the cable, an employee freeing it was pulled off the rig floor, struck his head on the V-door edge and fell to the ground.
- 201419 Feb
Blocks Fall to Rig Floor After Drill Line Came Off of the Drawworks
During bridle assembly rig-down, a driller lowered the blocks and bridle equaliser towards the rig floor. The drilling line’s dog knot pulled from the drum, allowing an approximately 20-foot (6-metre) free fall. It then caught in braces and the fast line sheave, limiting the fall. No injuries were reported.
- 201422 Jan
Drop Object Results in Lost Time Incident
An alert describes a lost-time incident involving a 26 kg drilling jar mandrel clamp that fell from approximately 30 feet above the rotary table. It bounced off a derrick beam before striking a floorhand’s hardhat and left shoulder, causing a laceration.
- 201330 Dec
Failure to Torque Lift Sub Results in Dropped Monel Drill Collar
During bottom hole assembly make-up, a lifting sub screwed into a monel drill collar with chain tongs unscrewed while the crew connected a float sub to the stabiliser. After the iron roughneck was removed, the assembly fell from the rig floor through the V-door onto the pipe-cat.
- 201322 Dec
Complacency with a Common Job Task Results in Injury to the Derrickman
This alert describes a derrickman injury during trip-out operations. A stand of pipe caught somewhere between the top drive’s stabbing guide and link tilt actuator. Downward load movement bowed the pipe, and the driller applied the drawworks brake after noticing that the stand had not cleared.
- 201316 Nov
Struck-by Incident While Running Casing Results in Fatality
An alert describes a fatal incident during casing running. An employee backing out a cross-threaded casing joint was struck on the right side of his head by a casing power tong. His head then hit a top drive rail lifting eye, before he fell three feet to the rig floor.
- 201316 Oct
Failure to Torque Drill Pipe Results in Serious Near Miss Event
A drill-pipe stand had an incompletely torqued tool joint following assembly in the mousehole. During float-sub make-up with an iron roughneck, the loose connection backed out and the bottom two joints fell, damaging rig-floor handrails before resting against the substructure. No injuries were reported.
- 201316 Sep
Iron Roughneck “Struck By” Incident Results in Fatality
A floorhand suffered fatal injuries when struck by an iron roughneck during drill-pipe tripping. The worker was fitting a collar clamp around a drill collar. Witnesses reported that the remotely operated machine extended into the worker’s path; warning and stopping attempts failed. The investigation remained ongoing.
- 201316 May
Mis-Handled Sub Results in First Aid
An alert describes a foot injury during preparation to return a handling sub to storage. Two employees were fitting a lifting strap while crews picked up the bottom hole assembly. The unsupported, upright sub toppled and struck an employee’s foot; first aid was provided and the employee returned to work.
- 20131 Apr
Failure to Properly Make Up the Top Drive/Saver Sub Connection Results in Employee Injury
During preparations to spud a well, the drill string separated from the top drive saver sub and dropped approximately three feet into the elevators. A drill pipe screen then fell approximately 90 feet to the rig floor, striking an employee’s left forearm and causing a fracture.
- 20131 Mar
Improper Hand Placement Results in Minor Injury
Two employees lifted a hinged transition plate to locate a wire line sheave attachment during drilling. While lowering it, one released the plate and the other repositioned his hands. His right little finger became trapped between the transition plate and a bearing-housing support plate, resulting in a minor injury.
- 201328 Feb
Poor Communication Amongst Crew Results in Injury
An alert describes a crew preparing to lower a cut drill line from the rig floor. A crew member mistakenly cut its retaining rope while the Rig Manager prepared the lowering equipment. The falling line struck an employee beneath the substructure, causing a cut or scrape requiring first aid only.
- 201316 Feb
Drill Pipe Dislodged from Pipe Bin During Drifting Operations
During drill-pipe drifting with a mandrel, a pipe joint contacted the foot of an employee suspended in a man-cage above the racks. This dislodged the joint from its vertical storage bin. It fell through a crane windscreen, landing between the operator’s legs and causing slight abrasions to his left calf.
- 201315 Jan
Fall From V-Door Results in Near Miss
During preparations to lay down a directional tool, a hoist-operated line snagged on the substructure and tightened against a crew member beside an open V-door gate. The line pushed him down the slide; he struck the pipe stop and rolled onto the catwalk, sustaining minor back swelling and discomfort.
- 2013Jan
Drill-floor machinery and tubular-handling safety
Guidance for users, suppliers and integrators addresses automated drilling machinery and tubular handling. It explains system-wide hazard identification through HAZOP, FMEA, FMECA and collision or contention matrices, alongside safety-function specification and integrity assessment. Fifteen incident examples illustrate shortcomings in design, protective systems, software management and operator interfaces.
- 201220 Dec
Inattentiveness Results in Injured Employees
An alert describes two injuries and a near miss while laying down drill pipe. After manual tongs slipped, the driller believed the connection had broken and engaged the rotary table. Swinging tongs struck one employee, another fell over a chain guard, and a third narrowly avoided a head strike.
- 2012Dec
OSHA Fatal Facts, Oil Patch No. 4-2012
A derrickman suffered fatal injuries after falling 90 ft to a rig floor. Returning from a break, he did not attach fall protection after disconnecting from the climb assist. The alert recommends protection at elevation, assessment of fall hazards, worker instruction, equipment-use rules and inspection of fall-related equipment.
- 201220 Nov
Driller Inattention Results in Dropped Blocks
During tripping, washing and reaming in a tight hole, a bridge caused the blocks to settle over the top drive and slacken the drill line. When the bit broke through, the blocks and top drive fell freely, loading and parting the line. The equipment then fell to the rig floor.
- 201220 Oct
Gloved Hand Caught in Pipe Spinner Results in Injury
A floor man assisting with drill-pipe handling placed his right hand on the pipe for leverage while pulling a spinner with his left hand. When the spinner engaged, his glove caught in its chain, drawing his hand into the jaws and causing multiple middle-finger fractures.
- 201220 Aug
Lack of Communication Results in Multiple Injuries
During drill-pipe laydown, breakout tongs slipped onto pipe in the rotary unnoticed. An employee reaching into the Red Zone for a tail rope was struck in the chest as the tongs swung, then fell after hitting a laydown post. Crew and medical responses prevented more serious complications.
- 201220 May
Lack of Inspection Procedures Results in Dropped Blocks
During tripping into a well, the driller lost brake control and the block descended, striking the wellhead before resting beside the well. The dropped block caused drill-line backlash, releasing the line socket from the drum. The socket lodged in the crown sheave guard and damaged it.
- 201220 Apr
Tangled Fall Arrest Cable Results in Fatality
A motorman removed a pipe screen at the derrick board. As the drill string was lowered, his retractable fall-arrest cable tangled with the Kelly hose safety clamp. The blocks and top drive exerted force that parted the cable, resulting in a fatal fall of 75 feet (approximately 23 metres) to the rig floor.
- 201217 Feb
Report - Montara investigation: Volume one
Volume one of an expert witness investigation into the Montara hydrocarbon release sets out the appointment, factual timeline and assessment framework. It examines well construction and suspension, cement isolation, barrier requirements, regulatory comparators and risk-management methods, introducing WAiT integrity assessment and documenting limitations in the supplied records.
- 201217 Feb
Report - Montara investigation: Volume three
Third volume of an expert witness investigation into the Montara hydrocarbon release. It reconstructs the operational timeline, charts H1-ST1 integrity during construction, suspension and re-entry, and evaluates barrier acceptance and verification. Technical responses examine corrosion caps, annular seals, cement isolation, change management and opportunities for risk assessment.
- 201217 Feb
Report - Montara investigation: Volume two
The second volume of an expert witness investigation examines nine issues surrounding the Montara hydrocarbon release. It assesses cement volumes, slurry properties, over-displacement, casing-shoe testing and corrosion-cap handling. Documentary analysis considers well suspension, barrier adequacy and programme changes, with proposed improvements to verification, contingency procedures and risk assessment.