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 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 hazard of struck by due to falling: a) Union Drilling Inc., at Figure Four #8016B drill site, Rifle, CO: On or before 2/16/2005, the employer did not ensure that appropriate fall protection was used by the derrickman at heights greater than 10 feet above the rig floor. During times when the derrickman would step from the derrick ladder on to the monkeyboard, the retractable lanyard would then be removed. A positioning device attached behind and across the derrickman's lower back was used while maneuvering of drill pipe while working from the monkeyboard. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would be to follow the American Petroleum Institute (API) 54 titled, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations. Section 5.5.1 states to utilize a full body harness in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Additionally, the lanyard shall be adjusted to permit a maximum drop of five (5) feet in case of a fall. This method does not preclude the employer from continuing to utilize a positioning device. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (See enclosed "Sample Abatement-Certification Letter").