Skip to main content
Potential Dropped Object – Paddle Blind

Incident Description:

  • A 16” paddle blind was hoisted with a crane into position ~60’ above ground level.
  • The blind was then landed in position between a flange and disconnected from the crane.
  • While the paddle blind was being positioned and bolted into the flange, the handle was tapped with a hammer to achieve the desired position.
  • After being tapped with a hammer, the handle broke off completely, as shown in the pictures below.
  • Had the welded handle failed while being flown into position, it would have fallen to the ground.
  • Adequate controlled lifting zones were in place to keep people out of the line of fire.
  • The weld on the paddle blind handle had been recently mag particle tested and visually inspected.
Contributing Factor:

Post-event inspection of the paddle blind found that the welds used to secure the handle lacked adequate penetration, which could not be detected visually or by mag particle testing.

Required Actions:
  • Ensure continued diligence in controlling all lifting zones to ensure a falling object cannot strike any personnel.
  • Any “non-engineered” lifting handles on blinds or similar equipment shall only be hoisted inside of an engineered material basket.
  • Ensure all blinds without engineered lifting points are only lifted to elevated work areas in an engineered material basket or removed from service to prevent future failures causing harm.
  • The Safe Mechanical Lifting Practice will be updated to include no suspended lifting of welded flanges.

Learning Before Serious Harm

Our 2019–2024 PSI Report analyzes industry-submitted incidents to highlight patterns and risks with the highest potential for serious outcomes—supporting learning before harm occurs.

Learn from Past Events

Explore Safety Alerts to see how incidents occurred and what can be done differently. Applying lessons from past events helps workers and leaders recognize hazards before they lead to serious harm.

Related Learning Opportunities

Industry-Submitted Notification | IN-028

A pipeline crew was in the process of loading flume pipe, a heavy-duty version of culvert piping. The crew used a wheeled loader to pick the pipe from the groun...

Serious Incidents & Fatalities

Industry-Submitted Notification | IN-027

While performing maintenance on a control valve located outside the acid gas building (Unit 2), trapped sour gas was released from the zero-energy check point i...

Serious Incidents & Fatalities

Industry-Submitted Notification | IN-026

Field Operations staff were completing an integrity dig on a compressor discharge line (line operates at 1200 kPa and has approximately 2500 ppm H2S) to expose...

Serious Incidents & Fatalities

Share: