ACCIDENT SUMMARY

Accident Type: ..............................Struck by, falling object, suspended load

Weather Conditions/Time of Day: .....................................Hot, dry/Day shift

Type of Operation: ....................................................................Changing bales

Size of Work Crew: .............................................................................................8

Worksite Inspection Conducted by Employer: ......................................... Yes

Competent Safety Monitoring on site: ....................................................... No

Safety and Health Program in Effect: ........................................................ Yes

Training and Education for Employees: ..................................................... Yes

Job Title of Deceased Employee: .................................................. Floor hand

Age/Sex of Deceased Employee: ..............................................................25/M

Time on Job: .............................................................................................2 Years

Short Service Employee (<1 Year): .............................................................. No

Time at Task: .............................................................................................. 1 hour 18-foot bales dropped to the rig floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

At the time of the accident, two 18-foot, elevator bales weighing 

2,600 pounds each were being lifted onto the rig floor using the air 

hoist. A braided wire rope sling consisting of a hook and eye was run 

through the eye of the bales to lift them onto the floor. As the bales 

were lowered to the rig floor, two employees maneuvered them into 

position using their hands and bodies. The bales struck the rig floor, 

causing the cable sling to come off resulting in the bales falling to 

the floor striking two employees, fatally injuring one.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION 

1. Employees must be kept clear of lifted and suspended loads. See 

OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.184(c)(9).

2. When rigging loads to be lifted with slings make sure that the sling 

will remain securely attached to the load throughout the entire lift. 

See OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.184(c)(6). 

3. Use tag lines to keep workers clear and to control lifted and 

suspended loads. 

4. When hoisting and moving the load, there should be no sudden 

acceleration or deceleration. 

5. Ensure that all wire rope slings are inspected by a competent 

person for damage each day before use and additionally as 

conditions warrant. Damaged or defective slings must be 

immediately removed from service. See 29 CFR 1910.184(d).

6. Remove wire rope slings from service if they show kinking, 

crushing, bird caging or other damage resulting in distortion. See 

OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.184(f)(5)(iii).

7. Provide worker training emphasizing the following:

a. how to properly rig loads;

b.handling suspended loads; 

c. sling inspection criteria (what to look for); and

d.how to identify, prevent and protect themselves against struck 

by, falling object, and suspended load hazards on the rig floor. 

Braided wire rope sling showing signs of wear.

You Have a Voice in the Workplace

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 

of 1970 affords workers the right to a safe 

workplace (see OSHA’s Worker Rights page, 

www.osha.gov/workers.html). Workers also 

have the right to file a complaint with OSHA 

if they believe that there are either violations 

of OSHA standards or serious workplace 

hazards. 

How OSHA Can Help

For questions or to get information or 

advice, to report an emergency, report a 

fatality or catastrophe, or to file a 

confidential complaint, contact your nearest 

OSHA office, visit www.osha.gov or call our 

toll-free number at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), 

TTY 1-877-889-5627. It’s confidential.

U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742)
Note: The described case was selected as being representative of improper work 

practices which likely contributed to a fatality from an accident. The accident 

prevention recommendations do not necessarily reflect the outcome of any legal 

aspects of the incident case. OSHA encourages your company or organization to 

duplicate and share this information.

More Information

Upstream oil and gas safety and health: 

www.osha.gov/SLTC/oilgaswell

drilling/index.html

OSHA standards and regulations: 

www.osha.gov/law-regs.html

OSHA publications: 

www.osha.gov/publications

OSHA’s free On-site Consultation services: 

www.osha.gov/consultation

Training resources: 

www.osha.gov/dte/index.html

DEP FF-3616 12/2012