OSHA Inspection: PIONEER DRILLING COMPANY

Issued

Jul 23, 2009

Abate by

Aug 25, 2009

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $4,900

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 struck-by/crushing hazards:
(a) At the drilling site located near 71st Avenue NW and 48th Street NW
north of
Parshall, ND, where, on or about 04/15/09, the chain attached to a
hydraulic cylinder
of the drilling derrick being lifted and transported broke exposing
employees
to a
crushing and struck-by hazard.
Among other methods, feasible means of abatement to correct this hazard
are to:
1.  Follow the National Association of Chain Manufacturers (NACM)
recommendations
for Welded Steel Chain Specifications, dated September 25, 2005, that
includes
inspection, certification, and the appropriate grade of chain for intended
use; and
2.  Design and install a cradle to be attached to the drilling derrick
being transported that
will support the ends of the hydraulic cylinders during transport.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").tion