UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Abstract: At approximately 12:45 p.m. on November 30, 2010, Employee #1, a welder helper, was assisting a welder widen the floors of the catwalk on an oilrig structure. Six other welders were on site. The crew had been on site for approximately 2.5 weeks. The catwalk was widened through the attachment of pockets, where portable floors would be inserted and supported. The welder was arc welding on a metal structure as Employee #1 held a length of pipe in both hands chest high. The employees were standing on their knees and shoulder-to-shoulder. As the welder worked, hot metal sparks were flying and some fell on Employee #1, and then a section of hot slag fell upon Employee #1's jacket, causing the jacket to smoke. The welder patted the smoking area of the jacket with his hand, when Employee #1's undershirt caught on fire. Employee #1 quickly removed his shirt and began rolling on the ground. The welder attempted to extinguish Employee #1's burning clothing and help him remove his burning clothing, leaving only a cotton T-shirt. Using the company truck, the welder drove Employee #1 to a medical center. Employee #1 had second and third degree burns on his upper left torso, which required surgery. At the medical center, he underwent surgical procedures, received burn treatment, and postoperative care and was then hospitalized for ten days.