OSHA Inspection: FLINT ENERGY SERVICES INC.

Issued

Dec 5, 2006

Abate by

Jan 2, 2007

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,000 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 crushing hazards when working in close proximity
to raised
loads:
1) On or about October 20, 2006, and at prior times, an employee of Flint
Energy Services,
Inc. was exposed to crushing hazards while working in close proximity to a
raised
load.  The
employee welded two sections of pipe together that were elevated off the
ground.  One of the
pipe sections was supported by a sling attached to the bucket of a backhoe.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct this
hazard is to ensure
that employees follow safety precautions listed in the backhoe
manufacturer's operator's
manual which states 'Keep all persons away from raised load until blocks
are supporting it or
load is sitting on the ground'.  This could be accomplished by supporting
sections of pipe to
be welded with skids or hydraulic jacks after the pipes are in place for
welding.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for
this item
(see enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").-Certification

Issued

Dec 5, 2006

Abate by

Jan 2, 2007

Penalty

Initial $1,875