Final reportFatalityDropped ObjectOffshore Construction
Rigger fatally struck by freefalling pipe, West Cameron Block 215 “A”
A ½-inch manila rope parted while a 4-ft section of 6-inch firewater pipe was being lowered over 30 feet; the pipe struck a rigger standing in the landing zone, fatally injuring him despite his hard hat.
Source information
- Source
- Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
- Investigating authority
- Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
- Report / reference no.
- BSEE Panel 2020-001
- Publication date
- Jun 18, 2020
- Last verified
- Oct 4, 2026
BSEE panel, with assistance from U.S. Coast Guard Investigations Division, MSU Port Arthur.
BSEE record page (opens in new tab)Event description
A four-member DLS construction crew was cutting and lowering pipe from scaffolding under the cellar deck to the +10 deck of the ERT (Talos subsidiary) facility.
Source / investigation findings: BSEE
Probable / root cause
The BSEE Panel Investigation Team determined the probable cause was the 1/2-inch manila rope parted while a rigger was lowering a section of firewater piping to the facility’s +10 deck.
Contributing factors
- Over two days, construction personnel failed to use Stop Work Authority after witnessing sections of pipe fall from the scaffolding.
- Scaffolding under the cellar deck was not built to company specifications (no toe boards or two access areas).
- Personnel failed to follow Talos’ safe work practices, conduct a proper hazard analysis, or mitigate known hazards.
- Personnel were walking in the designated landing zone and those lowering pipe did not have constant visual of it.
- Lack of supervision from both the construction superintendent and Talos PIC.
Recommendations
- Talos reevaluate its HSE support functions; there was no hazard analysis review or HSE representative onboard.
- Personnel working on the OCS use SWA when a hazardous situation appears imminent or an unsafe condition or act is observed.
- Add fire watch responsibilities per 30 CFR 250.113 to Hot Work Permits.
- Ensure personnel are familiar with their job descriptions and have the knowledge and training to accomplish their duties.
Lessons learned
Gulf of America educational summary
Pipe had already been falling for two days before the fatal drop. Undersized rigging, an uncontrolled drop zone and no one calling stop work came together on the third.
- If something has fallen once, stop the job — the next one may hit someone.
- Use rated rigging, not manila rope, for lowering steel.
- Keep the drop zone barricaded and in constant view of whoever is lowering.
Plain-language interpretation by Gulf of America. Not a finding of BSEE or any investigating authority.