Restricted work case (RWC): Injury to foot caused by moving roller

A member has reported an incident in which a person sustained an injury to his right foot caused by a moving roller in pipe-handling equipment. The injury happened when a crewman took a window of opportunity during a short repair period to paint pipe numbers on the ends of the pipes. The operator of the roller did not ensure that the area was clear moving the roller, and the crewman was caught by the roller and sustained a crush injury to the right foot.

Our member’s investigation revealed the following:

• Operator operating the roller machines failed to ensure the ramp way/area was clear before activating the pipe transfer machines;
• There was a lack of supervision from the work supervisor;
• The operator of the roller machine was not able to communicate effectively with other workers. Our member took the following corrective actions:
• The task of numbering of pipes was transferred to another, safer, location;
• An alarm warning system was installed to alert the operator of the presence of personnel in the path of the rollers;
• Signage was installed warning personnel that they were ‘in the line of fire’ in this location.

Members may wish to refer to the following similar incidents (key words: pipe, roll)

• Serious injury during pipestalk rolling operation
• Pipe stacking fatality