Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: FALLING

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to the condition(s) listed below: FWA Drilling Co, Rig #41, Lease PSU 4159A, approx 4.2 miles south of FM 1379 near Midkiff TX. On or about 24 July 97, the employer did not provide adequate maintenance for the drilling unit. A latch pin, that was used on the travelling block to secure the hook, fell approx 100ft when the blocks were in the raised position, striking an employee, working below, on the head. Similar problems with the latch pin previously existed. This condition exposed employees to the hazards and injuries resulting from being stuck by a falling object. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to assure that rig safety checks are conducted regularly and to include the latch pin in the safety check criteria. Also, when problems arise, maintenance instead of a "quick fix", should be performed.e