High Potential Near Miss/Dropped Object

Monday, January 28, 2019

On November 5, 2018, ExxonMobil Canada Ltd (ExxonMobil) reported a near miss with respect to a dropped object on the Noble Regina Allen (NRA). The CNSOPB deployed a safety officer to the NRA early the following day to investigate and collect information about the incident.

The CNSOPB safety officer confirmed that a 52 foot chain, along with a swivel and shackle (a segment of lifting gear arrangement) with a combined weight of 225 pounds, fell to the deck in the derrick area.  There were five workers in the area at the time but no one was injured. Although there were no injuries associated with this incident, it was determined that it had the potential for fatality, and has thus been classified as a high potential near miss.  Ongoing work was immediately stopped, and the area was secured. A safety stand down was held with all involved personnel. Well operations remain suspended as of this time.

The NRA is currently located adjacent to the Venture platform carrying out the plugging of development wells as part of ExonMobil’s decommissioning and abandonment of the Sable Offshore Energy Project. The incident remains under investigation by ExxonMobil and by Noble Corporation, the owner of the NRA. 

Media Contact:

ExxonMobil
Merle MacIsaac
Email
902- 490-9741

CNSOPB
Sadie Toulany
Email
902-240-3598