Region 6 News Release: 11-1296-DAL
Oct. 4, 2011
Contact: Elizabeth Todd Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710 972-850-4709
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Big Spring, Texas, drilling company
for multiple safety and health hazards at Lenorah, Texas, work site

LENORAH, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Big Spring, Texas-based Robinson Drilling of Texas Ltd. for 11 safety and health violations at the company's Gaskin Field, Gaskins Well No. 1, Rig No. 20 work site in Lenorah. An inspection was conducted by OSHA's Lubbock District Office under the agency's Regional Emphasis Program for the Oil and Gas Industry. Proposed penalties total $130,900.

"This is not the first time Robinson Drilling of Texas has exposed its employees to preventable workplace hazards," said Diego Alvarado, OSHA's acting area director in El Paso. "It is fortunate that in this case there were no injuries or fatalities."

Seven serious violations involve failing to provide protection from trip and fall hazards, ensure electrical cords are not spliced, ensure industrial machines were properly guarded, ensure outlet boxes are covered, and provide a storage area free from hazards. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Four repeat violations involve failing to maintain operational eyewash stations, periodically inspect fire extinguishers, install grounding rods and ensure unused openings on electrical panels were properly guarded. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. OSHA cited the company for similar violations in 2007, resulting in penalties of $450, and again in June 2008, with penalties of $7,800.

Robinson Drilling of Texas, which employs about 500 workers nationwide, has 15 business days from receipt of these citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in El Paso or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/RobinsonDrilling-315116137-928-11.pdf*

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), the agency's Lubbock District Office at 806-472-7681 or its El Paso Area Office at 915-534-6251.

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.

* Accessibility Assistance Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.