Real Life Incident: Crew Member Dies Working at Height With Added Hazards

A pipe-laying vessel was at anchor and maintenance was being done on the ‘J-Lay Tower’ (JLT) by a sub-contractor specialised in work at height. Two workers were tasked with chipping and painting the JLT. They relieved each other at height in alternation according to an agreed schedule.

At 0700, worker 1, secured with a safety harness and safety line, was chipping on a surface of the JLT at about 8m above the deck while worker 2 was attending on main deck. This work configuration continued in the morning and after lunch. By about 1530, worker 2 was ready to work at height on the JLT while worker 1 was to stay on deck. As