Blog Post #334 – Lakota Worker Suffers Fatal Crushing Injuries

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine

An oil worker died December 28, 2007 after being struck in the head by a large container lid at a drilling site about 35 kilo-metres southwest of Cardston, Alberta.

The floor hand for Lakota Drilling Partnership was inspecting a hydraulically operated clamshell-lid container when its jammed lid suddenly released, says AEII spokesperson Barrie Harrison. A Lakota Drilling crew was in the process of relocating its drilling rig when the deadly incident occurred, Harrison says.

The company was ordered to implement a safety training program for all employees who may need to use the container in the future. As well, Lakota Drilling has been directed to carry out a hazard assessment on the container and provide provincial occupational health and safety officials with a copy of the unit’s engineering specifications.

Should the container be returned to service or modified, Harrison points out, “it must be re-certified by a professional engineer.”

In 2005, AEII officers investigated four fatalities in the mining and petroleum development industry, which includes drilling rig services.

My opinion

Training, Training, Training!

Many deadly accidents are caused by someone in the workplace not receiving proper competency training that would give the workforce a good chance to work safely.

The company order to provide safety training seems like closing the barn door after the horses get out of the barn. The development of any job should include all the safety training required to protect the workers. If this seems too costly for your firm then maybe your company needs to hire the right people that do not. Safety training will keep your workforce on the job and it has always been noted that the regular workers are your best asset. Re-training is a more costly avenue to pursue so proper training, in the first place, is your most cost effective way to deal with health and safety in the workplace. Another step may be to hire a health and safety coordinator. I would recommend the CRSP, CHSC or the new CHSEP designation.

Remember — In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP — Foundation Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.