OSHA Inspection: BJ SERVICES COMPANY, U.S.A.

Issued

Jun 17, 1998

Abate by

Jul 6, 1998

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from
recognized hazards that
were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that employees
were exposed to:
(a)  On or about January 3, 1998, at an oil well drilling site located
approximately eight
miles southwest of Tioga, North Dakota, employees of BJ Services Company,
U.S.A.
who were working on the floor of a drilling rig were exposed to the hazard
of being
struck by materials and equipment falling from overhead.
Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct
this
hazard
would be:
1. Provide securement with chain or cable for swage, connecting equipment
and hose
during mud circulation operations.
2. Ensure that threads on casing collar and swage are cleaned and
lubricated in order to
make a tight connection.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").tion