Improper use of sledgehammer results in a lost time accident

Cause & Consequence

• Not Assigned

Incident Location

Drilling unit

Incident Activity

Catering / hotel services

Incident Info Source

International Association of Drilling Contractors

Specific Incident Equipment

Valve Seat, Sledgehammer and Sledgehammer face

Lessons Identified

• Employees were not aware of the information in the company police "Use of Hammers", which prohibits striking one hammer face with another.
• Employees failed to recognize the hazard and commenced the task. Supervisors failed to stop the job and seek alternative means.

Incident Recommendations

1. Review with all crews, the company policy on Use of Hammers.
2. Review with all crews, a fatality report from a previous incident - "Employee Struck by Hammer Fragment".
3. Conduct a "Hazard Hunt" with emphasis on the condition of hammer heads to ensure they are fit for use, not mushroomed and that hammer handles are in good condition.
4. Review and amend all JSA's associated with the use of sledgehammers to capture the company policy, and " Lessons Learned" document on a hammer incident.