OSHA Inspection: TEXAS SHAFTS, INC

Issued

May 26, 2010

Abate by

Jun 2, 2010

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,750 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 the hazards of being struck by or crushed during the tip
over.
a) Employees were loading a 7,900 lb. auger bit with an AF 220 Hydraulic
Drill Rig. During
hoisting operations, the tracks sunk into the built up platform and the
rig tipped over onto the
float trailer, exposing the employees to being struck by the auger and the
rig.
Among other methods of abatement, feasible and useful, one method of
abatement would be to
implement the following: 1) All employees operating drill rigs are
properly trained to recognize,
evaluate and eliminate hazards associated with unstable work platforms. 2)
All superintendents
receive training from the company to recognize, evaluate and eliminate
hazards associated with
unstable work platforms. 3) Follow the ADSC's recommendation to develop a
work plan for the
area a rig will be working and follow the steps given to ensure absolute
rig stability. 4) Follow
the manufacturer's guidance for stability in the operator's manual.