OSHA Inspection: CRUX SUBSURFACE, INC.

Issued

Jun 27, 2007

Abate by

Sep 14, 2007

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · 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 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 hazard of entanglement by the rotating drill
string.
(A) On or about January 16, 2007, and at times prior, the drilling
assistant threaded a
grout cap on the drill string while it was rotating.
(B) On or about January 16, 2007, and at times prior, the driller left the
control panel
unattended while the drill string was rotating.
(C) On or about January 16, 2007, and at times prior, the drill rig was
not  equipped
with a safety pull wire alongside the mast.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct these
hazards is
to:
1. Implement procedures and practices that ensure employees attach tools
to the drill string in
a manner that minimizes exposure to a rotating drill string, and that
ensures that a driller or
other qualified operator is at the controls when the drill string is
rotating.
2. Install the safety pull wire on the mast as designed and required by
the operating manual
for the drill.
Note: Abatement certification and supporting documentation are required
for this item.