Alert
  • Published: 20 Feb 2017
  • Incident ID: 4035

Rope Access Harness Incident

Cause & Consequence

  • Failure of PPE/RPE
  • Fall from height

Contributing Factor

  • Complacency

Description of Process

Using rope access for job within the inside the utility leg platform.

All work conducted on night shift.

Description of Incident

On day 14-to-15 the work party technician noticed at the end of the shift that his harness was badly damaged.
It was reported on site to the client and a 'Time Out for Safety' was called.
It was then discussed on the following shift via the Toolbox Talk.
Based on witness statements, the harness became damaged by continual rubbing against the rough concrete wall of the leg.

The root cause of this incident comes down to failure to identify the hazard (tight access and abrasive concrete wall) and failure to consider that the harness may rub against the wall (job planning and risk identification).

There were occasions when the hazard could have been identified by parties involved:

•The incident was reported on site and witnesses state that the remedial control measures implemented were adequate and no further action was required.
•All relevant personnel had seen the area where work was to be conducted but the tight access was not identified.
•Onshore documentation of work party did not highlight the restricted access to any degree. Technicians did not raise any concerns about the on site risk assessment in the 34 days prior
•The permit does not take into account specific hazards relating to the abrasive capacity of the wall or entry / descent into the work site

Good Practice Guidance

Recommend regular site surveys

Better hazard awareness and understanding by all

Pre-use equipment checks before each shift

Regular communication with all staff involved

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