Offshore near-miss involving helicopter and crane spurs safety alert

Washington — Offshore oil and gas workers should be mindful of potential hazards – and maintain frequent communication with co-workers – when helicopters operate near cranes at offshore facilities.

Those recommendations are part of a Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement safety alert stemming from a recent near-miss incident.

A helicopter pilot preparing to land at a facility visually confirmed that an adjacent crane “was securely stowed and stationary,” the agency says. “However, as the helicopter neared the helideck, the crane operator unexpectedly raised the crane boom, bringing it alarmingly close to the landing area as the helicopter was 10 feet from touchdown.”

A successful evasive maneuver by the pilot allowed the helicopter to avoid a collision.

BSEE says the incident “underscores the importance of heightened awareness, communication and coordination during simultaneous operations and the necessity of following established safety protocols.”

Other guidance from BSEE:

• Be prepared to respond quickly to potential threats, allowing sufficient time and space to maneuver safely.
• Keep all workers informed of simultaneous operations. Make sure communication channels for helideck status updates are clear.
• Encourage all crew members to speak up and verify critical information – including crane operation suspension during helicopter operations – with key workers.
• Regularly train staff and contractors on helideck safety concerns. Reinforce helideck safety practices and hazard reduction protocol often.

“Implementing the recommended steps mentioned in this safety alert will reduce the likelihood of future occurrences while also improving the safety and integrity of offshore operations,” BSEE says.