Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: STRUCK BY

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish to each of his employees a place of employment which was 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 following condition(s): a) Dawes Road, Lerosen Well #5, Caddo Parish, LA - Employees involved in oil well drilling operations were exposed to the hazard of being struck by manual tongs that were not documented to be maintained in safe working condition as specified by API RP 54- 99, Section 9, Sub-Section 9.9, Paragraph, 9.9.7, page 20. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to implement a maintenance and inspection program as addressed in the International Association of Drilling Contractors, Safety Alert 99-10, Manual Tong Safety. b) The employer had not maintained documentation of on the job training as to the hazards associated with oil well operations as identified by API 54-99, Section 6, Sub- Section 6.1, Paragraph 6.1.7 a-g, page 9. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable method to correct the deficiency is to develop, establish and implement a safety and health program which would insure employees are adequately instructed in safe work practices and hazard recognition such as the hazards associated with oil well drilling operations. The safety and health program shall require observation of a new employee's work performance and be maintained until the applicable supervisor is satisfied that the employee can fill the position in a safe and effective manner.ve