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 employmnent 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 suspended equipment that could be dislodged: a.) Howard Drilling, Kilhoffer #27, near 1001 Rasselas Road, Wilcox, PA 15870 - On or about October 11, 2010, and at times prior thereto, a 35 foot section of pipe with a Chicksan swivel attached to the top was being supported by the rig's traveling block, reins, and elevator. As the supported section of pipe was spun onto the well head with a rope winch, the Chicksan swivel came into contact with the reins and became hung up on the reins. As the rope winch continued to spin the pipe, the stationary Chicksan swivel began backing off the pipe thread connections. The Chicksan swivel detached from the pipe, fell approximately 28 feet to the rig floor, and struck an employee on the head, causing a fatal injury. ABATEMENT NOTE: Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means to correct the condition include but are not limited to: 1.) Complying with API (American Petroleum Institute) RP 54 Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations, Section 9.2.13 which states "Tools, parts, and other materials shall not be kept in the derrick or mast above the rig floor unless they are in use and precautions are taken to prevent them from falling."; 2.) Conducting training with employees to cover, at a minimum, the contents of Chapter 9 of API RP 54, Chapter title Drilling and Well Servicing Rig Equipment; 3.) Conducting training with employees to cover, at a minimum, the results of the company's accident investigation stemming from the Kilhoffer #27 well site accident; 4.) Establishment of work rules that prohibit tools, parts, and other materials from being kept in the derrick or mast above the rig floor. 5.) Establishment of a job safety start-up checklist to be completed prior to beginning work operations on a daily basis and / or after extended periods of shutdown.