The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has released its investigation report into damage to the crane located at Arena Offshore’s South Marsh Island 192 A Facility on September 7, 2022. At the time of the incident, production operators discovered damage to the boom heel section of the platform’s crane. A crane mechanic verified the damage and placed the crane out of service. Following the discovery, Arena investigated and believed that the damage occurred during plug and abandonment operations at the facility.
The BSEE report reminded operators of the requirements of API RP 2d:
As per API RP 2D C.4.1.2 the operator shall perform a walk-around visual examination of the crane boom and support structure to ensure that no visible damage exists. The crane operator failed to recognize the damage to the boom heel section during the visual examination.
The probable causes were also identified:
• Equipment Failure: Inoperable safety device – The high angle boom kick-out switch was inoperable due to its mounted position. The crane mechanic had to readjust the position of the high-angle boom kick-out to initiate at 78 degrees.
• Human Performance Error: Not following proper procedures – Though the crane pre-use forms were filled out, personnel failed to function test the high angle boom kick-out switch during crane pre-use inspections.
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 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 accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.