Non-fatal man overboard: worker fell from height into the sea

What happened

A worker fell 3m from a new jacket into the sea. The worker was uninjured and successfully recovered without harm. The incident occurred during the installation of a new jacket. During the operations, a worker accessed an area on the jacket which did not have any grating or scaffolding. Whilst exposed to the hazard (Working at height) but trying to secure himself to the guide rope, the worker fell from the jacket into the water from a height of almost 3m.

What went wrong

• The minimum requirements set out by the end client in their permit to work (temporary platform and handrails) were not met;
• The team did not stop the job, but tried to finish it, despite the missing required temporary platform and handrails;
• Some of the documentation for the job – task risk assessment, method statement etc – did not reflect the situation and needed updating.

Actions taken

• Following a full safety stand down and discussion by all involved:
• The client was asked to install temporary platform and handrails as per  the original requirement;
• The TRA and method statement were updated, discussed and agreed with all parties.

Members may wish to refer to:

• Man overboard incident (not fatal)
• Man overboard from stinger
• MAIB: Man overboard – unguarded opening