Drilling & Workover | March 2024 HSE Alert: 35-24

Pinched Finger While

Rigging Up Valve
What happened?
While rigging up a 2” low-torque valve on the cement unit lines, the
valve slipped and pinched the cement operator’s (IP) right-hand
ring finger against the supporting frame below causing finger
laceration.
Consequences:
● Work-related injury

Why did it happen?

● Area was congested and very small.
● Hazards of manual handling was not identified for the task.
● IP mishandled the 30 kg valve and placed his hand in line of fire.

What should be done to prevent reoccurrence?

● Enforce stop work authority (SWA) implementation.
● Ensure that manual handling techniques are addressed and followed.
● Provide line of fire and hazard recognition refresher training to all crews.

Areas where improvement is needed:

Workers must:
Lifesaving Rule No. 1 ● Understand the work to be performed.
● Understand the work permit scope, conditions, and limitations.
● Stop work if permit conditions change, and notify the supervisor.
Work supervisors must:
● Confirm that all hazards are identified and associated risks are controlled,
including those involving simultaneous operations.
● Communicate work permit information to all involved in the work, as well as
those affected by the work.
Work Permit ● Confirm that permit conditions are met and all required resources are at the
worksite before work starts.

This alert shall be communicated to everyone in order to improve the overall HSE in our organizations.

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use