Control
Job Safety Analysis
Task-step hazard analysis and associated controls.
Newest 100 Documents
All 532 in search- 202612 Aug
Improper Use of Hand Tools and Unplanned Deviations from Job Tasks Results in Injuries
Two construction workers sustained facial lacerations during bolt removal: one from an ejected pneumatic rivet-buster piston during troubleshooting, the other from reciprocating-saw kickback after changing tools and removing a face shield. The alert recommends considering pneumatic isolation, manufacturer instructions, job safety analysis updates and stopping work when tasks or protective equipment require reassessment.
- 202627 Apr
Prevent Fires by Inspecting Cords, Plugs and Welding Leads Before Use
This alert reviews three incidents involving melting welding leads, flames at a cord connection and a tubing bender plug with a loose prong. It warns against applying water to potentially energised conductors and recommends that operators and contractors consider pre-use inspections, suitable electrical protection, hazard assessment and safety briefings.
- 202624 Mar
Person injured when pry bar slipped
A crew member fractured a right-hand knuckle after a pry bar slipped while refitting a dislodged vehicle track. The flash discusses circumstantial pressure from worsening weather, amendments to the job safety analysis and the possibility that impact gloves might have reduced injury severity without preventing it.
- 20263 Mar
BSEE: Falling corroded crane component results in near miss
A corroded crane boom cable runner fell approximately 16 m during maintenance on an offshore platform, landing approximately 6 m from personnel. The flash describes outstanding inspection repairs, incomplete hazard identification and absent barricades, with lessons on inactive equipment, dropped-object controls and workforce involvement in pre-job planning.
- 202613 Feb
BSEE: Miscommunication and trapped pressure causes injury during valve maintenance
An offshore valve-maintenance incident injured a worker when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange. This flash summarises BSEE findings on incomplete authorisation, inadequate isolation verification, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations emphasise confirming zero stored energy, reviewing task assessments, following manufacturer instructions and considering two-person working.
- 202612 Jan
BSEE: arc flash incident – is the wire still live?
An offshore cable installation led to an arc flash when an electrician repositioned exposed wiring with non-insulated pliers inside an energised cabinet. The flash caused a minor thermal burn and panel damage. Findings highlight inadequate task analysis and communication; lessons address voltage verification, permits, suitable protective equipment and closed-loop coordination.
- 202518 Dec
Dropped object – Bailout cylinder inside diving bell
During saturation diving preparations aboard a vessel, an unsecured bailout set fell approximately 2.5 metres through the bell opening, striking the Transfer Under Pressure door. Nobody was injured; the cylinder was damaged. The flash identifies deficient securing and checks, and records replacement of S-hooks, formal instructions, revised hazard analyses and retraining.
- 20255 Dec
Falling Corroded Crane Component Results in Near Miss
A corroded crane boom cable runner fell approximately 50 feet during maintenance on an offshore platform, landing approximately 20 feet from personnel. The alert identifies uncompleted inspection repairs, incomplete hazard identification and absent barricading, and recommends considering improved job safety analysis, supervision and maintenance follow-through.
- 20253 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert - 509 - Miscommunication and Trapped Pressure Causes Injury
An offshore contractor was injured when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange during control-valve maintenance. The alert identifies unverified isolation, missing authorisation, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations address zero-energy verification, collaborative job safety analysis, operational support, fall protection and adherence to manufacturer procedures.
- 202527 Oct
Injury after fall from vertical ladder
A crew member carrying a fire patrol device lost grip while climbing a vertical ladder and suffered a minor eyebrow cut after striking a steel bund. The flash examines inadequate ladder design and routine-task risk awareness, identifying possible ladder extensions, anti-slip paint, carrying aids and pre-task discussions.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 506 - Arc Flash Incident Highlights Critical Need for Voltage Verification During Offshore Electrical Maintenance
An offshore platform cable installation resulted in an arc flash and a minor thermal burn when an electrician used non-insulated pliers inside an energised motor control centre. The alert identifies deficient task analysis and communication, recommending de-energised working where feasible, insulated tools, arc-rated protection, coordinated cable movements and competency assurance.
- 20254 Sep
BSEE: Electromagnetic lifting device dropped steel plate
This safety flash summarises a BSEE incident in which a steel plate detached from a worn magnetic lifting device, fell approximately 1.2 m and injured two workers’ feet. It discusses inadequate task hazard analysis and stop-work culture, alongside recommendations for inspections, load testing, power stability and electromagnetic lifter operating procedures.
- 20254 Sep
Two hand injuries caused during mooring
Two mooring incidents involved a hand trapped by a tightening line during rough weather and a finger crushed between a rope and handrail, requiring amputation. Lessons address dedicated fender mooring points, task risk assessment, supervisory roles, stopping unsafe work and considering postponement when weather causes vessel movement.
- 202516 Jun
Heat Stress Hazard Alert
This alert explains heat-related illness symptoms and occupational and personal risk factors for oil and gas extraction workers. It outlines employer, supervisor and worker responsibilities, covering acclimatisation, work–rest schedules, hydration, cooling areas, buddy systems, protective clothing, medical screening and training to recognise and respond to heat illness.
- 20256 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 500 - Dropped Steel Plate Due to Defective Lifting Device and Inadequate Hazard Analysis
A steel plate released from a worn magnetic lifter during drilling operations, falling approximately 47 inches onto two workers’ left feet. The alert identifies inadequate task hazard analysis and reluctance to stop work. Recommendations address lifting-device inspection, functional testing, safety communication, and electromagnet power stability and duty-cycle limits.
- 202529 Apr
Person fractured foot during elevator inspection
A worker fractured their foot during a vessel elevator inspection when released trunk doors disengaged the interlock, allowing upward cage movement before local service mode was activated. The flash identifies an unfollowed manufacturer procedure, absent toolbox talk and inadequate communication, and calls for applicable work controls and risk assessment.
- 20253 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 498 - Explosion and Fire Incident
A liftboat explosion during separator draining injured two workers with burns. Gas accumulated on deck and a generator surge triggered ignition. The alert examines tank sealing, unsuitable gas detectors, failed air-intake shutoff controls and delayed medical evacuation, recommending that operators consider improved procedures, inspections, testing and emergency arrangements.
- 20256 Mar
Divers helmet struck and damaged subsea by crane hook
A crane hook slipped from a pipe handling frame during subsea spool tie-in work in poor visibility, striking and irreparably damaging a diver’s reclaim helmet without injury. The flash identifies insufficient pennant length and discusses safe separation, position monitoring, reinforced communication, rigging inspections and revised task hazard analysis.
- 202427 Nov
BSEE: recurring hand injuries from alternative cutting devices
This safety flash summarises two offshore workers’ hand lacerations while removing zip ties with alternative cutting devices. One cutter had a damaged protective tip; the other lacked a blade guard and rebounded. BSEE recommends task-specific tool selection, pre-use shielding checks, cut-resistant gloves and disposal of defective devices.
- 202415 Nov
Safety Alert 492 - Fall Protection Self-Retracting Lanyard
BSEE describes two falls involving self-retracting lanyards: an approximately 90-foot fall with an incorrectly rigged belay, and a swinging fall involving an offset anchor point. It recommends that operators and contractors consider system angle limits, pre-use inspections, functional checks, job safety analysis, current training and site-specific rescue planning.
- 20245 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 489 - Situational Awareness Pre-Job Assessment
An offshore worker injured his leg and knee after falling through an opening on a blowout preventer work platform where a damaged hatch cover had been removed. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider pre-job hazard checks, communication, suitable fall protection, barricades and continued reassessment of changing surroundings.
- 20243 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 487 - Recurring Hand Injuries While Using Alternative Cutting Devices
BSEE describes two hand lacerations during zip-tie cutting with alternative cutting devices: one had a damaged protective tip, and another lacked its blade guard and rebounded. Recommendations for consideration include task-specific tool selection in job safety analysis, pre-use shielding checks, cut-resistant gloves and disposal of defective devices.
- 202416 Jul
BSEE Safety Alert 486 - Heat Advisory
BSEE alerts offshore workers to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, outlining symptoms, preventive measures and treatment. It recommends that operators and contractors, where appropriate, consider employee advice, periodic rest breaks, stop-work authority and job safety analysis using the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool. The information does not replace professional medical advice.
- 20243 Jun
Vessel collided with platform
A vessel waiting on weather collided with an unmanned, unlit platform while using joystick auto heading mode. Nobody was injured and damage was minor. The flash examines distracted watchkeeping, position monitoring and unset navigation alarms, and describes revised DP checklists, watchkeeping analysis and restrictions on non-watchkeeping duties.
- 202422 May
US BSEE: Welding and burning hazards
This flash summarises BSEE inspection findings on welding and burning hazards at Gulf of Mexico production and well-operation sites. It describes potential fires, including suspected slag penetration beneath living quarters, and highlights flammable materials, inadequate training and conflicting fire-watch duties. Recommendations address protective barriers, competence, supervision and pre-job discussions.
- 20241 May
BSEE Safety Alert 485 - Hand Tools Pose Risk to Offshore Personnel
BSEE describes two offshore hand-drill incidents involving gloves caught by drill bits, resulting in an index-finger laceration and a fractured thumb. Operators and contractors are asked to consider measures addressing hand placement, secured workpieces, drill binding, suitable protective equipment, pre-use inspection, tool selection and intact guards.
- 202416 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert - De-pressurizing Piping to Remove Hydrate Results in an Injury
An offshore platform operator suffered bruising and swelling when a ball valve assembly separated during depressurisation of gas lift piping containing a possible hydrate. Approximately 900 psi remained trapped behind the valve. The alert discusses inadequate isolation, missing task hazard analysis, and measures operators should consider for hydrate prevention and safe pressure bleeding.
- 202416 Apr
Improperly Depressurizing Piping to Remove a Hydrate Causes Injury
An offshore platform operator suffered bruising and swelling when a valve assembly detached during depressurisation of gas lift piping containing a possible hydrate. Approximately 900 psi was trapped behind the valve. The alert recommends considering energy isolation, balanced bleeding, task hazard analysis, management of change and gas dehydration.
- 20244 Apr
Safety Alert - BSEE Risk Based Inspection Identifies Welding and Burning Hazards
BSEE reports targeted inspections of 22 Gulf of Mexico production and well-operation sites, identifying damaged or misplaced fire barriers, hot work near hydrocarbons, deficient planning and inconsistent training. The alert describes a living-quarters fire and recommends considering improved barrier inspection, task-specific planning, competence assurance, supervision and fire-watch arrangements.
- 202419 Feb
US BSEE: Confined space entry – tank cleaning
This safety flash summarises two tank-cleaning incidents requiring CPR, including unplanned entry while wearing an outside-use respirator. It reports rushing and non-compliance in the first case and a possible cardiac contribution in the second. BSEE recommends considering entry authorisation, task analysis, ventilation, communication, training and rescue arrangements where appropriate.
- 202326 Dec
Wendland 1H Well Fatal Explosion
CSB investigates a fatal blowout and fire during tubing-head replacement at a Texas oil and gas well. It analyses inadequate well-control planning, ineffective hydrostatic and valve barriers, and ignition-source management. Recommendations address workover methods for underpressured reservoirs, well-history review and gaps in industry guidance and federal regulation.
- 202313 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert 477 - Hazards of Working in Confined Spaces
BSEE describes two tank-cleaning incidents requiring CPR: an unplanned entry to free a vacuum nozzle and illness followed by collapse during exit. The alert examines procedural lapses and rushing in the first case, and recommends operators consider entry planning, communication, ventilation, appropriate respiratory protection, rescue arrangements and current training.
- 20236 Dec
LTI: Fingers injured during fender lifting operation
A crew member sustained severe finger injuries when a polypropylene hauling rope jerked under swell-induced tension during fender lifting. The flash examines hand positioning, inadequate task analysis and failure to stop work as conditions changed. It discusses glove limitations, rope slack and prompt onboard medical care.
- 202321 Nov
EI 158 Fatality Failure to Use Safety
An offshore worker died when surface casing failed during pressure testing supplied by a high-pressure well. The explosion involved pressure release without signs of ignition. BSEE identifies omitted pressure safeguards and deficiencies in planning and change management, and recommends operators consider equipment compatibility checks, gauge training and improved hazard assessment.
- 20233 Oct
Rope access technician slipped and dislocated shoulder
A rope access technician dislocated his right shoulder after slipping from a wet vessel platform handrail and falling approximately 1 m while still connected to ropes. The flash identifies inadequate risk planning and assessment, and describes detailed job safety analysis, a subcontractor safety stand-down and refresher training.
- 202329 Aug
BSEE: Improper use and application of high-pressure hoses
An offshore inspection identified a hydraulic hose unsuitable for nitrogen during pressure safety valve testing. Injection of nitrogen at 2500 psi caused blistering and leakage. The flash summarises BSEE recommendations for operators and contractors to consider hose selection, fluid compatibility, inspection and replacement intervals, damaged-hose disposal, work permits and hazard communication.
- 202322 Aug
Heat Advisory - Heat Related Illnesses Occurring Offshore
This alert describes two offshore cases involving dehydration symptoms and severe heat exhaustion, including treatment and transfer ashore. It outlines heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms and recommends that operators and contractors consider hydration, cooling breaks, medical attention, work/rest policies, stop-work authority and task-level hazard assessment where appropriate.
- 20231 Jul
BSEE: Lack of training with hydraulic torque wrench contributes to fatality
A drillship crew member died after a stuck hydraulic torque wrench was freed under applied tension and shot upwards during riser disconnection. The flash identifies unrecognised tool limitations, inadequate training and communication, and supervisory shortcomings. Actions address job safety analysis, formal training, stop-work intervention and tool compatibility.
- 202329 Jun
Improper Use High Pressure Hoses Leads to Injuries
An offshore inspection identified a hydraulic hose unsuitable for nitrogen service that blistered and leaked when pressurised to 2500 psi. The alert recommends considering hose selection, fluid compatibility, temperature, inspection and replacement intervals, alongside work permits, job safety analyses and communication of pressurised-hose hazards.
- 20231 May
Recent Tagline Entanglements Result in Several high Potential Near Misses
BSEE describes four offshore lifting near misses in which workers became entangled in taglines and were lifted with loads, without injury. Operators and contractors are asked to consider safer tagline selection and handling, hands-free retrieval tools, clear work areas, agreed crane signals and job safety analysis of tagline hazards.
- 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.
- 202316 Feb
LTI: Person crushed in watertight door
An electrician suffered severe crushing injuries when a vessel’s watertight door opened during proximity-sensor adjustment. A damaged selector switch enabled the opening command, while a leaking ball valve failed to isolate the hydraulics. The flash highlights absent work authorisation, lockout and task analysis, and recommends adequate replacement spares.
- 202213 Dec
Fires During Decommissioning Cause Injuries
A contractor suffered facial burns when trapped hydrocarbons ignited during torch cutting of pipework being decommissioned. Earlier seawater flushing and draining had not removed the hydrocarbons. The alert identifies shortcomings in hazard analysis, planning and permitting, and recommends job-specific procedures, atmospheric verification, isolation safeguards and pre-job communication.
- 202210 Nov
BSEE: Unsafe crane working practices result in injury
A mechanic fractured his tibia when a crane boom dropped during a boom tip changeout. The flash describes omitted rigging and safety pins, deviations from the work scope and inadequate JSA review. Recommendations address stop-work authority, written disassembly procedures, pinch-point awareness and realistic first-aid drills.
- 20221 Nov
BSEE: Poor preparation prior to hot work leads to fires
This safety flash summarises three BSEE hot-work fires involving falling sparks, flammable condensate, a leaking gas riser and combustible building surfaces. Recommendations address spark shielding, sustained fire watches, extinguishers, continuous gas monitoring, detector checks, inerting nearby containers, and reviewing hot-work permits and job safety analyses.
- 20223 Oct
BSEE: Unsecured Pressurised Hoses Result in Hand Injuries
This safety flash summarises two hose incidents during coil tubing operations: valve impact injured a thumb during pressure release, and a failed nitrogen connection caused a whipping hose to injure two workers. Recommendations address glove selection, depressurisation, hose restraint, valve checks, job safety analysis and stop-work authority.
- 202226 Jul
Poor Preparation Prior to Hot Work Leads to Fires
Three hot-work fires illustrate hazards from flammable vapours at a water skimmer, a leaking gas riser and combustible building surfaces. The alert recommends considering spark shielding, drain sealing, inerting, permits, job safety analysis and continuous gas monitoring, alongside appropriately positioned fire watches and accessible extinguishers.
- 202220 Jul
Unsafe Working Practices Result in Crane Injury
A mechanic sustained a severe leg fracture when a crane boom dropped during a boom tip changeout. The alert describes omitted rigging and safety pins, shortcomings in job safety analysis, and lifesaving first aid. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider stronger task reviews, written disassembly procedures and stop-work practices.
- 202214 Jul
Mooring deck accident on general cargo vessel Teal Bay with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal mooring deck accident aboard Teal Bay during ship-to-ship grain loading at Kavkaz South anchorage. A tensioned spring line escaped an open roller fairlead during warping. The report examines upward line leads, shared fairlead use, insufficient crewing, planning and risk assessment, and delays in coordinating medical evacuation.
- 20222 Jun
Unsecured Pressurized Hoses Result in Hand Injuries 442
BSEE describes two Gulf of Mexico coiled-tubing incidents involving hose backlash and a failed nitrogen hose fitting, with hand injuries and an additional arm injury. Operators and contractors are advised to consider hose restraint, reduced pressure before valve manipulation, suitable gloves, fuller job safety analyses and stop-work intervention.
- 202225 Apr
Toppled Hydraulic Workover Unit Results in Fatality
This preliminary alert describes a fatal hydraulic workover unit toppling on a Gulf of Mexico caisson. An elevated, harnessed contractor fell into the water with part of the unit. Initial observations identified a casing break; causes remained under investigation. Recommendations address structural capacity, support arrangements, fall protection design, supervision and task planning.
- 202218 Apr
Barricades and Fall Protection Will Help Prevent Injuries Even Without Open Holes Visible
This alert describes two incidents involving deteriorated deck grating: a contractor fell into water and another worker partially fell through grating. BSEE recommends that operators and contractors consider barricading suspect areas even without visible holes, using fall arrest equipment, preparing job safety analyses, communicating hazards and invoking stop-work authority.
- 20221 Apr
Safety Alert 436 - Arc Flash Injury During Generator Hookup
An electrician sustained a second-degree arm burn while reconnecting a diesel backup generator to a live bus. The alert identifies shortcomings in task hazard analysis, arc-flash protection and lockout documentation, with breaker defects contributing to the incident. It presents measures for operators and contractors to consider, including assessments, qualification checks and breaker condition reviews.
- 202231 Mar
Breakdowns in Communication and Preparation Lead to Failure of Synthetic Slings
Two polyester slings failed during gantry-crane demobilisation, dropping the load approximately six feet onto deck infrastructure without injuries. The alert identifies inadequate lift planning, procedures, job-specific hazard analysis, weight calculations and rigging capacity, alongside reluctance to stop work. Recommendations address preparation, communication, load verification and reassessment of unsafe work.
- 202228 Feb
Fractured finger while handling metal plates
A crew member fractured his little finger when it became trapped between a plate and frame during manual repositioning on deck. The flash identifies unsafe plate design and task assessments that omitted manual handling. Lessons describe temporary handles, magnetic lifting handles as a longer-term solution, and task-specific risk reviews.
- 202225 Feb
Jacking Up Lift Boat During Crane Operations
During well abandonment, a lift boat was raised with crane slings still connected to a wellhead. Suspected snagging on hanger pins preceded sling failure and injury to an operator. BSEE recommends considering interface disconnection, attentive crane operation, elevation-adjustment procedures and job safety analysis addressing interconnected equipment.
- 202220 Jan
Three bolts sheared on a lifting trunnion
Following offshore renewables transition-piece installation, a 44 kg lifting-trunnion cover plate fell approximately 0.5 m when three securing screws sheared. The flash identifies an incorrect assumption about sideways loading in screw verification, records work-planning safeguards used, and calls for welding cover plates to the trunnions.
- 202114 Sep
BSEE Identifies Dropped Object Hazards during Risk Based Inspections
BSEE summarises risk-based inspections addressing dropped-object hazards in offshore production and well operations. Findings highlight weaknesses in prevention programmes, hazard hunts, training, lifting analyses and restricted access. Operators and contractors are encouraged to consider targeted inspections, documented findings, dedicated training and management-of-change triggers for new equipment or structures.
- 202121 Jul
Metal Obstructions Lead To Hand Injuries
BSEE describes two hand lacerations involving a metal tag during ball-valve operation and a securing band during transmitter connector work with channel lock pliers. Gloves were absent in one case and insufficient in the other. Recommendations for consideration address hand protection, valve checks, sharp edges, job safety analyses and safety discussions.
- 202127 Apr
Safety Alert 420 - Employee Injures Hand in Rotating Equipment
A mechanic responding to an after-hours compressor shutdown entered the unit while its cooling fan was slowing. Placing his hand on the belt pulled him into a sheave, fracturing two fingers. The alert recommends considering reviews of after-hours work controls, including job safety analysis, lockout/tagout and stop-work practices.
- 202122 Apr
Failure To Revise Job Safety Analysis Leads To Injury
A crew removing a heater tube added handrail removal without revising its job safety analysis. Crane tension and a prybar freed the handrail, which struck a worker and caused facial fractures. The alert identifies planning, training and policy failures, and recommends considering training programmes, discussing changed duties and using stop-work authority.
- 202125 Mar
Inadquate operation of circuit breaker
A maintenance worker checking a compressor breaker during an annual inspection disengaged it, triggering alarms and facility downtime without injury or equipment damage. The alert examines ambiguous switchboard labels, indicator colours and missing procedures, and asks operators to consider training, updated documentation, pre-job meetings and protective button coverings.
- 20218 Feb
Safety Alert 410 - Damaged Electric Cord Results in Arc
An arc flash occurred during construction after a steel self-retracting lanyard cable wore through welding lead insulation and contacted exposed wires. Neither fire nor injury occurred. BSEE recommends considering cable separation, safe routing, pre-use inspections and inclusion of electrical hazard assessments in permit-to-work and job safety analysis reviews.
- 202119 Jan
Near miss: uncontrolled movement of mooring chain
A near miss during vessel chain laying involved uncontrolled movement of heavy bottom chain after a circulation pump tripped and the chain lifter lost holding force. The flash identifies incomplete safety systems, inadequate project-specific preparation and missing barriers, with lessons on documentation, technical safeguards, training and familiarisation.
- 20201 Dec
2020-002 GC 205-A Investigation of June 1, 2019, Fatality Lease OCS-G05911 Green Canyon Area Block 205-A
Investigates a fatal fall through a well hatch on the Genesis platform during slickline work. Workers mistakenly lifted the A-13 cover while intending to replace A-14’s cover. The report examines cover identification, securing, handling and task planning, and recommends improved procedures, practical training and designs distinguishing installed from stored covers.
- 20201 Dec
Labeling, Removing, Storing and Installing Hatch Covers
A slickline helper suffered fatal injuries after the wrong well hatch cover was lifted on a Gulf of Mexico facility, exposing an opening through which he fell approximately 90 feet. The alert recommends hatch identification, specific procedures, practical training and hazard review, and suggests mechanical handling to reduce proximity to openings.
- 20209 Oct
Trapped Pressure Ejects Rod From Chamber and Strikes Subsea Technician in the Face
A subsea technician was injured when trapped pressure ejected a sheared indicator rod during blowout preventer pressure testing. Previously damaged rods had remained unrepaired, and a workaround omitted their hazard. BSEE recommends considering OEM maintenance, proper work procedures, avoiding out-of-service equipment and recognising trapped pressure in job safety analyses.
- 20207 Oct
Grating Failures Cause a Fatality and a Serious Near Miss
This alert describes two grating failures in May 2020: a contractor died after falling 30–40 feet, while an electrician caught himself and was assisted to safety. BSEE recommends considering structural inspections, marking and barricading suspect areas, repairs or mitigation, facility-level fall protection practices, worker discussions and pre-operation job safety analysis.
- 202023 Sep
Safety Alert 393 - Adverse Weather and Sea Conditions Complicate Dynamic Lifts
This alert describes three Gulf of Mexico cargo-lifting incidents in April 2020 involving vessel motion, load impacts and worker injuries. It recommends considering dynamic-lift checklists and sling inspections, reassessing environmental conditions, reinforcing stop-work authority, supervising worker positioning and checking crane minimum hook speed against wave-related load movement.
- 202017 Sep
Safety Alert 391 - Improper Use of Equipment Results in Shock Loaded Crane and Damaged Tension Packer
During plug and abandonment work, four attempts to set a tension packer using a platform crane ended in shear-ring failure and crane shock loading. The alert identifies repeated loading, unknown equipment tolerances, inadequate hazard analysis and a restrained load, and recommends considering manufacturer specifications, dynamic load charts and job-specific work controls.
- 202018 Jun
Safety Alert 389 - Fatality Caused By Freefalling Pipe Underscores the Need to Adhere to Safety and Environmental Management Systems & Safe Work Practices
A contractor died when manila rope parted while lowering a cut firewater pipe on a Gulf of Mexico facility. The alert examines deficient task analysis, scaffolding arrangements, supervision and hazard communication. BSEE recommends operators consider stronger training, safe-work compliance, stop-work intervention and safety documents in languages workers understand.
- 202022 May
Fall from Height Leading to Injury
A bosun slipped and fell 2.5 m to a vessel’s deck during FRC stowage following davit wire replacement, injuring his ankle. The flash examines an uneven, unguarded area and missed fall hazards in work planning. Actions included revised job safety analysis, fall-protection signage and hazard hunts by unfamiliar personnel.
- 202011 May
Safety Alert 383 - Lifting Incidents Involving Tote Tanks
BSEE reviews several tote-tank lifting incidents reported on the Outer Continental Shelf in 2019, involving slipping loads, snagging and collisions. It identifies shortcomings in reviewing lift plans and task risk assessments, and recommends that operators and contractors consider measures addressing rigging, load security, safe zones, sea conditions and personnel training.
- 201911 Dec
Safety Alert 374 - Air Compressor Flaws Lead to Engine Fire
An air-compressor fire on a Gulf of Mexico production platform followed regulator diaphragm rupture and hydraulic fluid release through PSV outlets. Fluid ignited on the hot exhaust manifold after shutdown. The alert recommends considering condition checks, additional pressure shutdown protection, controlled discharge arrangements and periodic diaphragm inspections.
- 20194 Oct
Inadvertent Opening of Valve Under Pressure Causes Injury
An offshore worker inadvertently opened a ball valve while attempting to stop a leak. Released pressure dislodged drain tubing, which struck and fractured the worker’s nose. The alert examines redundant components, inadequate hazard analysis and weak tubing support, recommending consideration of valve selection, management of change and suitable tubing arrangements.
- 201924 Sep
Safety Alert 366 - Dangerous Levels Of H2S Detected At Offshore Facilities
BSEE describes three hydrogen sulphide releases during offshore pipeline flushing and well abandonment, including incidents at non-sour facilities. One worker experienced dizziness and nausea. The alert recommends considering gas monitoring, detector calibration and bump testing, job safety analysis, rescue preparedness and gas-buster safeguards during potentially hazardous operations.
- 201917 Sep
Dropped wooden block in conductor support frame
During conductor decommissioning, a wooden wedge weighing approximately 13 kg fell 6 m and struck a rigger, causing minor cuts. Additional upper wedges were outside the procedure, and securing eyes failed during conductor movement. The flash emphasises management of change, immediate procedure updates, communication and participatory job safety analysis.
- 201923 Aug
Accidental activation of emergency stop during saturation diving operations
Accidental operation of unprotected emergency-stop buttons stopped both lubricating-oil pumps and tripped a vessel’s starboard Voith Schneider propulsion during saturation diving. The vessel maintained position and divers were safely recovered without injury. Lessons address button covers, situational awareness, shipboard familiarisation, and more thorough job safety analysis and toolbox talks for routine engine-space maintenance.
- 201919 Jul
Safety Alert 361 - Multiple Crane Incidents during Heavy Lifting Operations
This alert summarises three Pacific Outer Continental Shelf crane incidents involving a handrail used as a fall-protection anchor, wave-driven boat movement and an unsecured gin pole. BSEE recommends operators consider job-specific staging and hazard analysis, review changed lifting conditions, verify certification and prohibit anchoring fall-protection lanyards to handrails.
- 20199 Jul
Safety Alert 358 - Dislodged Boom Pawl Pin Unnoticed by Crane Operator during Pre-use Inspection
BSEE inspectors identified a dislodged, corroded crane boom pawl pin missed during a pre-use inspection, alongside shortcomings in operator knowledge and job safety analysis participation. The alert discusses reinstatement and redesigned retention, and recommends considering improved component checks, competence verification and review of the JSA process.
- 20194 Jun
Safety Alert 353 - Offshore Employees Fall Through Grating and Open Hole
This alert describes two offshore incidents involving displaced grating and a mistakenly lifted well hatch cover. One operator was missing; another employee fell approximately 90 feet to a lower deck. With causes still under investigation, BSEE recommends inspections and consideration of barricades, hole watches, secure flooring, fall protection and task-specific hazard analysis.
- 20198 Mar
Safety Alert 347 - Dropped Riser Joint Nearly Crushes Floorhand
A riser joint fell from a hydraulic running tool on a Gulf of Mexico rig; a floorhand escaped and no injuries were reported. Preliminary findings suggested inadequate insertion and unverified locking. BSEE recommends considering manufacturer procedures, locking verification, task hazard analysis and clearing rig floors before lifts.
- 201913 Feb
BSEE: Worker injured in fall from height into water
A mechanic replacing a platform crane valve lost grip or footing while descending a ladder and fell into water approximately 24 m below. The flash discusses missing fall protection, non-use of a required work vest and an incomplete job safety analysis, alongside recommendations on procedures, competence and response planning.
- 201819 Nov
Safety Alert 343 - Working at Heights - Near or Over Water
A crane mechanic fell 81 feet into water while moving onto a ladder during anti-two block control valve replacement. He wore neither fall protection nor a work vest, and the JSA omitted the fall hazard. BSEE recommends operators consider reviewing elevated-work procedures, personnel competence and rescue planning.
- 201825 Sep
High Potential Near Miss: Line of Fire During Mooring Operations
An offshore support vessel’s mooring hawser trapped a seafarer against a stair handrail during manoeuvring around a sea buoy. The flash examines buoy fouling, sea conditions, restricted visibility and missing deck-clear confirmation. Actions include a replacement buoy, a clear-deck policy, VHF confirmation, planned toolbox/JSA reviews and an alternative azimuth-drive manoeuvre.
- 201825 Sep
Recurring Hand Injury
An employee guiding a crane operator sustained a left-hand laceration requiring eight stitches when a storage container lifted unexpectedly, its frame parted and it fell onto him. The flash identifies missing appropriate PPE, records disposal of the container and relays BSEE recommendations for task-specific job safety analyses.
- 201823 Aug
Safety Alert 340 - Caisson Well Surface Safety Valve Actuator Explodes
An offshore caisson well’s surface safety valve actuator exploded during cold-weather start-up after a tubing jumper admitted unregulated well gas. The alert describes overpressure, failed fasteners and a removed pressure relief device, with no reported injuries or pollution. BSEE recommends considering measures addressing start-up procedures, management of change and stopping unsafe operations.
- 201827 Jul
Injured finger during cargo operations
A crewman suffered serious finger damage while reconnecting a chain-tackle hook during module discharge from a vessel to a quayside trailer. The alternative method used chain tackles to limit horizontal movement. The flash identifies insufficient management of change and the absence of job hazard analysis or a toolbox talk.
- 20184 Jun
Safety Alert 336 - Recurring Hand Injury Incidents on the OCS
BSEE describes a hand laceration during crane lifting of a rubbish sack, when a storage container’s frame parted and the container fell. Eight additional hand injury reports illustrate burns, cuts and blunt trauma. The alert recommends hazard-specific job safety analyses, risk reduction using the hierarchy of controls and appropriate hand protection.
- 201814 May
Safety Alert 335 - Failure to Mitigate Known Hazards Leads to Kick
During well abandonment, trapped pressure beneath a bridge plug forced the plug and drill string 15 ft out of the hole, damaging rig equipment. The alert examines recognised hazards left without mitigation and recommends considering better hazard communication, actionable job safety analyses and methods for safely relieving pressure behind well barriers.
- 20185 Jan
Safety Alert 328 - Gas Release Hazards Identified by BSEE
BSEE summarises targeted Gulf of Mexico gas-release inspections following a review of incident and compliance data. Findings include oil or gas accumulation, deficient detector assurance, limited area-classification signage and gaps in work practices and training. Recommendations address inspection protocols, detector documentation, accessible procedures, job safety analyses and contractor training.
- 201721 Dec
Unplanned release of stored energy: Worker struck and injured by tensioning tool
A worker suffered serious head injuries when a trapped bolt-tensioner puller suddenly released during turret bearing checks on an FSO. Weathervaning had compressed the dropped component between stud bolts. The flash identifies unrecognised risks and recommends revised task analysis, troubleshooting procedures, stop-work reinforcement, awareness training and investigation of handling aids.
- 20178 Dec
Safety Alert 327 - Failure to Properly Purge Compressors Leads to Explosions
This alert describes two compressor start-up explosions involving inadequate purging. One injured a mechanic with flying debris; the other damaged a cooler and piping. Preliminary findings discuss panel logic, purging knowledge and job safety analysis. Recommendations address procedures, training, start-up permissives and manufacturer-directed maintenance.
- 201724 Oct
Potential for fatalities from electrical incidents
This alert reviews three electrical dangerous occurrences notified within less than 90 days, with no injuries or cardiac irregularities reported. It identifies failures in cable identification, isolation confirmation, proving dead, permits, task analysis, procedures and competence, and sets out requirements for safe electrical work.
- 20172 Aug
LTI: Crush injury to middle and index finger
A rigger sustained serious middle and index finger injuries while manually moving a deck plate aboard a vessel. The flash identifies unmanaged expansion of cleaning work into plate removal, handling difficulties and unsuitable gloves. It highlights stopping changed work, managing the change and raising a new permit with task-specific risk analysis.
- 201713 Jul
Fall from height during yard visit
A yard worker fell 4 m while helping manually lower grating through a deck opening, fracturing his right ankle. His fall arrester was not anchored. The flash examines team organisation, language barriers, unused taglines and absent task-specific analysis, emphasising closer yard oversight and executive commitment to safety culture.
- 201722 May
LTI as a result of a load dropped from lifting magnet
A permanent lifting magnet dropped a polished metal load onto a worker’s hand, causing a lost-time injury. Thicker protective foil reduced magnetic holding capacity, leaving no safety margin. The flash examines air-gap sensitivity, inadequate work instructions and technical understanding, and the need to share equipment limitations and undocumented practices.
- 201712 May
LTI: Contact with refrigerant gas causing hand injury
An engineer sustained severe freezing burns to both hands after inadvertently opening a valve while checking a vessel’s operating air-conditioning system. The flash examines ratchet direction, exposure to released refrigerant, inadequate task assessment and unsuitable gloves, and sets out actions concerning training, permits, discharge arrangements and prompt injury reporting.
- 201728 Mar
Vessel activities near platforms – two incidents
Two vessel incidents near fixed platforms illustrate failures in fuel-system restoration and steering control. An AHTS vessel blacked out and drifted away after generators tripped; another vessel struck a flare bridge during personnel transfer following rudder feedback-unit failure. Actions address bunkering procedures, handovers, emergency-generator checks and communications.
- 201624 Oct
Able seaman injured when vessel moved during cargo operations
An able seaman was struck in the chest by a food compactor while correcting a stuck shackle during transfer to a jack-up barge. Vessel pitch and roll moved the load after it had been lowered onto deck. The flash highlights supervision, task assessment, communication and deck space constraints.