Task-Specific Hazards and Accidents
Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Hazards
Moving large, heavy loads is crucial to today's manufacturing and construction industries. Much technology has been developed for these operations, including careful training and extensive workplace precautions. There are significant safety issues to be considered, both for the operators of the diverse "lifting" devices, and for workers in proximity to them.
This module is a starting point for finding information about these devices, including elevators and conveyors, and their operation.
The derrickman on a well drilling operation performs his tasks from various elevated work platforms in the mast. He is exposed to falls when not using fall protection equipment while climbing the derrick ladder, while working with the pipe stands, and while moving from the ladder to his platform station. The derrickman is also exposed to crushing injuries from shifting stands of pipe and elevator latching tasks.
Adequate and continuous fall protection is a prerequisite for the safety of employees working on a derrick. Conditions beyond the control of the derrickman (wind, vibration, pipe movement) make even momentary unprotected exposures hazardous.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-1. When is the derrickman exposed to crushing injuries?
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