Region 8 News Release: 13-1317-DAK
July 15, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Halliburton cited by US Labor Department's OSHA after worker dies when
struck by pressure line during well servicing operations in Watford City, ND

WATFORD CITY, N.D. – Halliburton has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for two serious safety violations after a worker was fatally injured Jan. 19 when struck by a high-pressure line while servicing a well on an oil rig in Watford City.

"The company failed in its responsibility to maintain a worksite free from recognized safety hazards, such as struck-by hazards that can occur as the result of high-pressure lines and stored energy," said Eric Brooks, OSHA's area director in Bismarck. "It is tragic when a worker is killed on the job. Employers must take all precautions to prevent such incidents."

Two serious safety violations were cited for failing to secure or restrain high-pressure lines from movement to prevent a struck-by hazard and to control the release of stored energy from a pressure line. 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.

Proposed fines total $14,000. Houston-based Halliburton has been inspected by OSHA 43 times nationwide since 2008. The company, which supplies products and services to the oil industry, operates a regional office in Williston.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings 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 Bismarck Area Office at 701-250-4521.

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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 242-693-7828 or TTY 242-693-7755.