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Saudi Aramco
Drilling & Workover Organization
Inadequate gear used for lifting equipment

July 2014
The Alerts are provided to all Drilling and Workover Operations Foremen and Liaisonmen so that we all learn from the
experiences of others. The knowledge of this incident could prevent similar ones from happening in the future.
Saudi Aramco policy requires the information in this Alert to be communicated to all crew members and documented on
morning reports.

What happened?
June 2014. The operation was offloading miscellaneous rig equipment shipped to the new
location while rig move, the bug blower was lifted by forklift from the truck bed using improper
lifting gear. The Wire rope was attached to sash cord rope and the sash cord rope connected to
an incomplete four part shackle. (The shackle had missing its nut). The load was placed down in
those unsafe conditions, fortunately no injuries or damaged occurred.

Consequences:
 Potential of falling of load; damage of structures, equipment or environment
 Potential of serious Human Injury; crushed /struck by falling load incident

Why did it happen?

 Personnel failed to secure the load correctly before its lifting, as inadequate gear was
used.

 Safety procedures for rigging & slinging were not followed.

 Operators overlooking basic safety rules for forklift operations.
 Poor Supervision.

What should be done to prevent reoccurrence?

 Loads shall only be lifted once are correctly secured with the adequate/certified lifting
gears, and shall be carried & stored in a manner that ensures stability at all times.

 Enforce safe work procedures for rigging & lifting loads.

 Forklifts & Crane operators shall be adequately trained and constantly supervised.
 Emphasize to Supervisors their responsibilities and actions to be taking, prior & during
any slinging & lifting operation.