Inspection Detail

Inspection: 309475994 - Hall Drilling, Llc

Inspection Information - Office: Charleston Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on June 14, 2007, a crew of four workers was working at a drilling site. The crew consisted of the employer, an equipment operator, and two rig hands. During their shift there was a problem with the starter on the main compressor, which controls the majority of the lights for the drilling worksite. Initially, the employer worked at locating a new starter, but was unsuccessful. However, approximately 4 hours later (11:30 p.m.), the employer arrived near the drilling worksite with a used light plant fixture that he had retrieved from home. The employer and one of the drill hands installed the light plant fixture and the compressor working again. After providing light for about 30 minutes, Employee #1, a rig hand, came over to talk with the employer. As they spoke, Employee #1 leaned up against the metal frame of the motor to the light plant and was electrocuted. The employer and the other workers called to Employee #1, but he was unresponsive. The employer pulled Employee #1 away from the unit, and immediately began administering CPR. Employee #1 could not be revived and was determined dead. The accident investigation noted that it had been storming earlier that evening, and water was located around the ground area of the light plant, which could have led to the electrocution of Employee #1.

Keywords: ELEC PROTECT EQUIP, SHOCK, INADEQUATE MAINT, LIGHTING, ELECTRIC SHOCK, HAND, OIL RIG, WORK SURFACE