Region 3 News Release: 13-333-PHI (osha 13-014)
March 5, 2013
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102
Email: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites J.R. Resources in Ringgold, Pa.,
following worker fatality in August 2012
Employer failed to require and provide flame-resistant clothing for natural gas work

RINGGOLD, Pa. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited natural gas producer and operator J.R. Resources with eight safety and health violations at its Ringgold gas well site. OSHA began the August 2012 inspection after a worker, who was not provided or required to wear flame- resistant clothing, died from injuries sustained during a flash fire.

The seven serious violations cited include failing to require and provide flame-resistant clothing be worn when working around natural gas; provide fall protection from stairs on brine tanks; provide a written hazard communication program and training; and properly label tanks and prevent workers from riding in the bucket of a backhoe. The employer was also cited for utilizing an electric pump in the presence of flammable materials. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer new, or should have known, of the hazard.

One other-than-serious violation was cited for failing to report the fatality to OSHA within eight hours, as required by law. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

"Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment, and that includes finding and fixing hazards associated with the workplace," said Theresa A. Naim, director of the OSHA Erie Area Office. "OSHA will continue to hold employers responsible when they fail to protect their workers."

Proposed penalties total $22,400. J.R. Resources has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Erie, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Erie Area Office at 814-874-5150.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.