The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has released its Report on a May 27, 2021 injury that was sustained on Eni US Operating Co. Inc.’s Mississippi Canyon (MC) 773 A (Devils Tower). During the incident, a worker employed by ENI sustained injuries to his hand while using a grinder on the platform.
The BSEE report, explained the incident:
On 27 May 2021, the IP was performing the job task of changing bearings out on the compressor. The IP was using a grinder with a wire wheel to remove old gasket material. It was during this process when the wire wheel slipped and went across the IP’s thumb creating a small laceration.
The investigation found that the JSEA (Job Safety and Environmental Analysis) that was completed by the injured person lacked steps involved in the job, as well as mitigation techniques.
The BSEE investigation determined the probable cause of the incident:
Work Environment:
Improper PPE – Gloves worn by IP did not provide adequate protection against cuts and abrasions.
The incident illustrates the importance of having proper personal protective equipment. According to BSEE, at the time of the incident the injured worker was not wearing gloves that provided adequate protection. Workers on a platform should be required to have adequate PPE, and safe platform operators must have procedures in place to assess the PPE which is worn. Accidents due to improper PPE are known risks, which much be planned for by platform owners and operators.
Risks that may present themselves while working on an offshore platform must be carefully evaluated before work begins. One mechanism to safely evaluate and prepare for risks is through the use of a Job Safety Analysis (“JSA”) or Risk Assessment, which is standard in the maritime industry. In a JSA, each step of the job is examined to identify potential hazards and to recommend the safest way to perform the work in order to minimize those risks. When this does not occur, it can result in catastrophic personal injury or death.
BSEE noted that the incomplete JSA violated both federal requirements as well as Eni’s own policies and procedures:
The Job Safety and Environmental Analysis (JSEA) failed to comply with 30 CFR 250.1911 and Eni’s own SEMS Plan. As stated in your SEMS Plan (section 3.5.3), the JSA is used to identify risks to personnel, equipment and contractors associated with the job activity. By analyzing each task, identifying the hazards associated with it, assigning it a risk-assessment metric, and ensuring sufficient safeguards have been implemented to reduce risk to As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP), JSA’s are fundamental to uphold the safety of personnel, equipment and the environment.
Neither the addition of a tool / equipment (grinder with a wire wheel) or specific job steps to conduct a task (remove gasket material on a part) were captured on the JSA provided to the BSEE NOD. The risk to the personnel utilizing the grinder was not identified or mitigated through hazard control.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime injury and wrongful death litigation in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of the negligence of another party, or been seriously injured. We have handled numerous cases involving injuries that occurred following fires or explosions on offshore platforms. The experienced offshore accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an offshore accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.