OSHA Inspection: VIKING DRILLING

Issued

Nov 26, 2008

Abate by

Dec 23, 2008

Penalty

Initial $1,100 · Current $1,100

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:
a) On August 14, 2008, and for a period of time prior to that date,
employees of Viking Drilling
were working on Rig #4, located on a well site on the University Caitlin
lease, Block 3, Section
10, University Lands survey, Andrews County, Texas. The ladder on the side
of the derrick,
used for access to the crown block and the monkey board, did not reach the
rig floor but rather
terminated at approximately 10 feet from the rig floor. Every person using
this ladder was
forced to climb up the derrick framework, without regular handholds,
steps, or rungs.
Employees were thus not assured of full protection against the hazard of
falling up to 10 feet.
One feasible means of abatement includes installing another section of
ladder after rigging up
the derrick, so that employees can mount the ladder from the rig floor.

Issued

Nov 26, 2008

Abate by

Dec 23, 2008

Penalty

Initial $1,375 · Current $1,375

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:
a) On August 14, 2008, and for a period of time prior to that date,
employees of Viking Drilling
were working on Rig #4, located on the University Caitlin lease, Block 3,
Section 10, University
Lands survey, Andrews County, Texas. Cigarette butts were found on the
ground near the stairs
leading from the doghouse, indicating that employees or other persons were
being permitted to
smoke in that area, outside of the designated smoking area next to the
toolpusher's trailer.
Employees were thus not assured of full protection against the hazards of
exposure to fire from
the ignition of flammable materials, such as petroleum or natural gas.ral

Issued

Nov 26, 2008

Abate by

Dec 23, 2008

Penalty

Initial $1,100 · Current $1,100