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 conditions listed below: Derrick board area, (Rig #4); On or about 2-12-06 the employer did not ensure that the footrest/flap located on the derrick board area was in operable condition. The footrest/flap was broken and was held together by a rope. Employees while working 90' above a lower level of the oil drilling rig used this footrest platform to provide them balance and support while conducting their work. This condition exposed employee(s) to a 90' fall from elevation. Among other methods, one method of abatement is for the employer to comply with the American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice RP54 Paragraph 6.3.2 states that: "Well Operations involving the rig shall not be commenced until the rig is rigged up in a safe manner." Among other methods, one method of abatement is for the employer to take prompt corrective action as soon notified of equipment failure to replace and/or repair the equipment (footrest). DISCLAIMER: 1) You are not limited to the abatement methods suggested above. 2) The methods explained are general and may not be effective in all cases. 3) The employer is responsible for selecting an carrying out an appropriate method.iate