Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish to each of his employees a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the following condition(s): a) Section 21, Township 6 South Range 5E, St. Landry Parish, LA - Employees involved in gas well operations were exposed to the hazard of being struck by a rotary hose due to the failure to maintain the derrick mast, rotary hose swivel and their auxiliary parts in safe condition as specified by API RP 54-92, Section 8, Sub-Section 8.2, paragraph 8.2.1, page 16. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to implement a maintenance and inspection program as addressed in the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Drilling Manual, Section H4. Rotary Hose and Swivel Inspection which states, "All hoisting tools on the rotary drilling rig must have daily inspections followed by monthly and quarterly (more frequent if severe operating conditions or loading is imposed) shutdown inspections." b) Employees leased from an employee leasing firm were exposed to the hazards of oil and gas well operations such as, but not limited to a falling rotary hose. The employer had not trained or adequately instructed employees as to the hazards associated with oil and gas well operations as identified by API RP 54-92, Section 5, Sub-Section 5.1, Paragraph 5.1.1, paragraph 5.1.3 a-g, page 9. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct the hazard is to develop, establish and implement a safety and health program which would ensure employees are adequately instructed in work practices and safe practices such as the hazards associated with oil and gas well operations. This safety and health program shall require observation of a new employee's work performance and be maintained until the applicable supervisor is satisfied that the employee can fill the position in a safe and effective manner.