OSHA Inspection: ROBINSON DRILLING OF TEXAS, LTD

Issued

Nov 23, 2010

Abate by

Nov 26, 2010

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

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 June 15, 2010, Robinson Drilling Rig #4 was equipped with a
cantilever style mast derrick
made by Lee C. Moore (Serial #T2507). Following a hard pull, the derrick
collapsed.
Employees were thus exposed to the hazards of being struck by or crushed
by a collapsing
derrick.
One feasible method of abatement would be to use more extensive methods of
testing, such as
ultrasonic testing on older rig and derrick structures before placing them
in service; to ensure
that repairs are made by welders certified in accordance with AWS D1.1 or
equivalent to ensure
that all welds used to repair a drilling derrick be completed in
accordance
with the requirements
of AWS D1.1 or equivalent and to examine completed welds to verify that
adequate repairs have
been made.