OSHA Inspection: MURFIN DRILLING CO. INC.

Issued

Sep 19, 2011

Abate by

Sep 20, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,950 · Current $3,465 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): \r\n\r\nSection 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 falling, struck by, and burn hazards:\r\n\r\na)  On or about April 21, 2011 and at times prior, Murfin Drilling Company Inc. did not ensure that employees were protected from the hazards of an improperly erected Geronimo safety line.      1.  The escape line had no deceleration section for the safe landing of personnel    2.  The escape line was attached to a semi trailer in a manner and height which would force the employees to jump off the T-bar at a height of 8-10 feet or hit the trailer.    3.  The T-bar was attached outside of the work platform along the mast ladder.  This creates a very difficult position to try and mount the escape device.      Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard is:  Develop a method of erecting the escape line which places the device at a ready for use positon at the platform, provide a tested anchor and length of wire rope which allows for proper placement of the line, and train personnel in proper erection and use of system.

Issued

Sep 19, 2011

Abate by

Sep 21, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,950 · Current $4,950

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a):     Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:    a)  On or about April 21, 2011 and att times prior, Murfin Drilling Company did not ensure that employees were protected from fire hazards.  The crew was not provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as flame-resistant clothing.

Issued

Sep 19, 2011

Abate by

Sep 20, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,950 · Current $2,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(b)(2):     Crank(s) or connecting rod(s) exposed to contact were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o) or by guardrail(s) as described in CFR 1910.219(o)(5)    a)  On or about April 21, 2011 and at times prior, Murfin Drilling Co. Inc. did not ensure that employees were protected from mechanical power transmission apparatus hazards.  The covers over the mud pump pony rods were removed and not replaced.

Issued

Sep 19, 2011

Abate by

Sep 20, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1):     Pulley(s) with part(s) seven feet or less from the floor or work platform were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):    a)  On or about April 21, 2011 and at times prior, Murfin Drilling Co. Inc. did not ensure that employees were protected from mechanical power transmission hazards.  The shale shaker on the mud tanks had exposed pulleys due to damage of the cover.

Issued

Sep 19, 2011

Abate by

Sep 20, 2011

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(1)(i):     Horizontal belts which had both runs 42 inches or less from the floor level were not fully enclosed by guards conforming to requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):    a)  On or about April 21, 2011 and at times prior, Murfiin Drilling Co. Inc did not ensure that employees were protected from mechanical power transmission hazards.  The shaker on the mud pits had exposed belts due to damage done to the cover.

Issued

Sep 19, 2011

Abate by

Sep 20, 2011

Penalty

Initial $3,960 · Current $3,960

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(ii):     Flexible cords were not used in continuous lengths without splice or tap:    a)  On or about April 21, 2011 and at times prior, Murfin Drilling Co. Inc. did not ensure that employees were protected from electrical hazards.  The microwave in the doghouse had a light gauge extension cord spliced to the prongs of the microwave cord.  The splice consisted of exposed conductors twisted around the plug prongs and then wrapped with electricians tape.  This does not bring the connections to the manufacturers specifications.