When static tests don't tell the full story
The Health and Safety Executive has issued a safety notice warning that some drilling drawworks fitted with fail-safe disc brakes may be at risk of an uncontrolled load descent.
An HSE investigation found that certain disc brakes can pass routine static holding-capacity tests, yet still fail to produce enough braking torque to stop a moving load in an emergency. If this happens, top drives or travelling systems could descend out of control, posing a serious risk of injury and damage to equipment.
HSE is asking offshore operators, duty holders, manufacturers and suppliers to review the design, testing, maintenance and performance standards of their drawworks emergency braking systems.
You can read the full safety notice on the HSE website: Drilling drawworks fail-safe system disc brakes.
Why effective incident investigations matter
The HSE has produced a workbook to help employers, unions, safety representatives and safety professionals identify what went wrong after an accident or incident and spot risks that can be avoided in the future.
The workbook provides a step-by-step guide to help organisations carry out their own health and safety investigations following an accident or incident.
Effective accident investigation remains an important part of improving workplace safety. HSE's latest figures for Great Britain (2024 to 2025) show that:
- 126 workers were killed in work-related accidents
- 680,000 working people were injured at work
- 59,219 injuries to workers were reported under RIDDOR
You can download a free copy from the HSE website: Investigating accidents and incidents (HSG245).
Managing asbestos risks during maintenance work
Asbestos may be present in properties built or refurbished before 2000, and it often turns up in unexpected places.
Autumn is a busy time for boiler servicing and replacements, as well as jobs that help keep the cold out, such as fitting new windows and doors.
Because of its fire-retardant properties, asbestos was commonly used in and around fireplaces, flues and heating systems in older buildings. It may also be found in or around old circuit boards, pipes, boilers, water tanks, insulation, soffits and eaves.
If asbestos is left undisturbed and in good condition, the risk is low. However, if it is disturbed by drilling, cutting or removal work, fibres can be released into the air and breathed in. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung disease and cancer, including mesothelioma.
Assessing the risk before you begin
Think about whether asbestos-containing materials could be present:
- Was the property built or refurbished before 2000?
- Is there any known asbestos in the property?
- Has an asbestos survey been carried out?
Bear in mind that hidden asbestos may still be found once work begins. If asbestos is suspected, it should be treated as present until proven otherwise.
All work on asbestos-containing materials requires specific training and controls. Carrying out work without them is illegal, and you may need to bring in a licensed contractor.
It is also a legal requirement for anyone carrying out gas work in the UK to be on the Gas Safe Register.
For more information on asbestos, please visit the HSE website: Asbestos.
