Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1368331 - Anschutz Corporation

Inspection Information - Office: Lubbock Area Office

Investigation Summary

THE DRILLER WENT TOO HIGH WITH THE TRAVELLING BLOCK, CAUSING IT TO HIT THE CROWN BLOCK (TWO-BLOCKING). THE TWO-BLOCKING CAUSED THE WIRE ROPE TO BREAK, ALLOWING THE TRAVELLING BLOCK TO FALL TO THE RIG FLOOR. THE TRAVELLING BLOCK BOUNCED, KNOCKING THE DOGHOUSE OFF THE DRILL FLOOR TO THE GROUND LEVEL 15 FEET BELOW. EMPLOYEE #1 WAS KILLED WHEN HE WAS EITHER STRUCK BY THE TRAVELLING BLOCK OR WAS THROWN AGAINST THE DOGHOUSE. EMPLOYEE #2 WAS EITHER THROWN OVER THE DOGHOUSE OR FELL FROM A STAIRWAY AS HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO GET CLEAR OF THE TRAVELLING BLOCK. HE FELL TO THE GROUND LEVEL AND WAS CRUSHED BY THE DOGHOUSE, WHICH FELL ON TOP OF HIM. THREE OTHER EMPLOYEES WERE INSIDE THE DOGHOUSE WHEN IT WAS STRUCK. THEY RECEIVED ONLY FACIAL CUTS AND BRUISES. ONE OTHER EMPLOYEE RECEIVED MINOR CUTS AND BRUISES AS HE WAS COMING DOWN THE DERRICK.

Keywords: DOGHOUSE, CROWN BLOCK, LACERATION, TWO-BLOCKING, CONTUSION, WIRE ROPE, TRAVELLING BLOCK, OIL WELL DRILLING, CRUSHED, FALLING OBJECT