OSHA Inspection: FWA DRILLING CO., INC.

Issued

Oct 29, 1997

Abate by

Nov 25, 1997

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $5,000

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 the condition(s) listed below:
FWA Drilling Co, Rig #41, Lease PSU 4159A, approx 4.2 miles south of FM
1379 near
Midkiff TX. On or about 24 July 97, the employer did not provide adequate
maintenance for
the drilling unit. A latch pin, that was used on the travelling block to
secure the hook, fell
approx 100ft when the blocks were in the raised position, striking an
employee, working below,
on the head. Similar problems with the latch pin previously existed. This
condition exposed
employees to the hazards and injuries resulting from being stuck by a
falling object.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is
to assure that rig safety checks are conducted regularly and to include
the latch pin in the safety
check criteria. Also, when problems arise, maintenance instead of a "quick
fix", should be
performed.e