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 condition(s) listed below: NOMAC Drilling Corporation, Rig # 5, Jones 31-3, SE of Allison, Texas. On or about December 25, 2006, employees on Rig # 5 , engaged in the drilling of a gas well, were exposed to struck-by hazards when the head-block and the drill string assembly, weighing approximately 186, 000 pounds, fell to the floor during tripping operations. The employer did not ensure that employees were adequately trained in the operation of the hydrodynamic braking system. Feasible methods to correct the hazard include, but are not limited to, installing a control switch at the Driller's Console to operate the Hydromatic Brake; training all rig employees in the use of the hydromatic brake system; clarifying the hydromatic brake engagement/disengagement notification procedures to assure that rig employees are aware when the hydromatic brake is activated.