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

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 crushing injuries and/or death due to a defective sling rod carrier: (a) Grant Well # 7: On or about 11/05/05 an employee was handling sections of pipe being "tripped" removed out of the well. As the worker was lowering the pipe (rods) to the tub area, the pipe fell from the sling rod carrier which struck the worker's arm and came to rest right above his wrist, and nearly severed the workers hand. The worker was then knocked off the platform. The sling rod carrier had a 3 inch crack in the seam where it joins the top half to the tong area, was improperly welded, bent and was not inspected prior to use. The defective sling rod carrier was not taken out of service until properly repaired and/or replaced. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement is to follow the safety procedures outlined in the Schramm Operator's & Maintenance Manual and the National Drilling Association, "Drilling Safety Guide."