June 18, 2025
The BDA Health & Safety Sub-Committee met virtually on 17th June. The meeting provided updates on a wide range of matters, from audit performance and safety guidance revisions to new blog initiatives, anti-idling awareness, and accident statistics.
Key Highlights:
- LOLER Application Position Paper Finalised – The committee reviewed and approved the latest draft of the LOLER Application Position Paper. The document will now proceed to formal adoption.
- HAVS Exposure on Sonic Drills – Initial simulated testing of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) on sonic rigs recorded a peak value of 1.52m/s². As this is below the current threshold, the risk is considered low at this stage. Further investigations will be carried out to validate the findings.
- BDA Audit Update – Audit numbers remain strong, though a few failures have been recorded; two relating to hydraulic hoses, training for hose users was suggested. Concerns were also raised about CP/wire rope quality. The committee reaffirmed the importance of incorporating such checks into pre-start inspections.
- BDA Safety Guidance Review – The first draft of the revised Safety Manual is near completion, with a view to circulate and review towards the end of June.
- Technical Guidance update – On review of “BDA Technical Guide SWR-WLL-MBL Nov 2023”, It was reaffirmed that mast capacity should not be classified as a ‘Safe Working Load’. Final guidance amendments were approved, the updated document will be issued over the coming weeks.
- Safe Bailer Tipping Practices – Revisions to guidance have removed any reference to using the foot to tip bailers. Instead, the committee discussed standardising tooling for user protection.
- Rig Noise Assessment – Discussions concluded that rig noise exposure is highly variable across machines, and as such, individual risk assessments should be conducted. Available data will be reviewed, with a view to developing a formal guidance document.
- Accident Statistics – The 2024 accident statistics were presented. The top three causes of incidents were lifting and handling, slips/trips/falls, and being struck by objects. Fingers, head/face, and hands were the most commonly injured body parts.
- Future Training Initiatives and Surplus Fund Ideas – Potential initiatives discussed include manual handling and wire rope training.