OSHA Inspection: DOWNEY DRILLING, INC.

Issued

2025-11-13 00:00:00

Abate by

2025-12-10 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $3972.00 · Current $2780.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.28(b)(11)(ii): Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers was not equipped with stair rail systems and handrails in accordance with Table D-2, Stairway Handrail Requirements:  On or about June 17, 2025, at Downey Drilling, Inc. temporary work station located at NE of Section 27, 24 South, 34 West Holcomb, KS, employees engaged in water well drilling activities using the stairway to gain access to the rig floor area were exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 51" due to no stair railing being provided.

Issued

2025-10-28 00:00:00

Abate by

2025-11-24 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $9268.00 · Current $9268.00

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):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 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 struck by hazards.  The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. On or about June 17, 2025, at Downey Drilling, Inc. temporary work station located at NE of Section 27, 24 South, 34 West Holcomb, KS, employees were exposed to the hazard of being struck by a set of Woolley breakout tongs. During the initial pipe breaking out, employees stood within the swing radius (arc) of the breakout tongs' handles when the rotary table was engaged.  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct the hazard is to establish and enforce an adequate written procedure for pipe changeouts. Essential elements of the procedure would include:   1. A winch and hold back cable be inspected regularly to ensure that it is properly adjusted, thereby minimizing the possibility of its dragging or grabbing.   2. Frayed, kinked or otherwise damaged breakout lines not be used on a winch system and should be immediately replaced.   3. If the Driller is unable to watch all operations at the same time, a signalman be available to watch the operation and signal directions to the Driller.   4. Before power is applied to the rotary table or breakout tongs, the driller ensures that floormen are clear of moving parts.  5. The Rotary Clutch should not be engaged if drill pipe tongs are latched onto the pipe or anything else on the rotary table. The only exceptions are: (5a) when tongs are used to hold joints or stand of pipe as it is spun out with the rotary after the connection has been broken or loosened with two sets of tongs, and  (5b) when backup tongs are so tight that they cannot be broken unless the rotary is turned slightly.   6. Crew members check the safety line and stand clear when the tongs are used under heavy strain.   7. When a crew member is in doubt about an apparently unsafe condition, they should consult the Driller.