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

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer does not furnish employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees are exposed to falls from using damaged reinforced plastic step ladders to access upper and lower work areas when they are not in the open and locked position: a)Wellhead cellar area of drilling rig #17: The employer allows employee(s) to use a step ladder in the closed position on drilling rig #17. On June 2, 2011 and at times prior thereto, employee(s) were exposed to fall hazards from using a 4 foot reinforced plastic step ladder to access the cellar area of the well head (fall distance of approximately 4 feet 6 inches to the ground below). The ladder was in the closed position and leaning against the wall. Employee(s) use this ladder to get into and out of the cellar while performing nipple up and nipple down operations. b)Platform area above wellhead of drilling rig #17: The employer allows employee(s) to use a step ladder in the closed position on drilling rig #17. On June 2, 2011 and at times prior thereto, employee(s) were exposed to fall hazards from using a 10 foot reinforced plastic step ladder to access the platform area above the well head (fall distance of approximately 7 feet to the ground below or approximately 11 feet 6 inches to the bottom of the cellar). The ladder was in the closed position and leaning against the platform. Employee(s) use this ladder to access platform to adjust the turnbuckles on the guide that keeps the drill pipe plumb during drilling operations. c)Platform area above wellhead of drilling rig #17: The employer allows employee(s) to use a 10 foot step ladder that is damaged. On June 2, 2011 and at times prior thereto, employee(s) were exposed to fall hazards from using a 10 foot reinforced plastic step ladder to access the platform area above the well head (fall distance of approximately 7 feet to the ground below or approximately 11 feet 6 inches to the bottom of the cellar). The step ladder has damage to the upper side rail and is bent. Employee(s) use this ladder to access platform to adjust the turnbuckles on the guide that keeps the drill pipe plumb during drilling operations. Among other methods, a feasible and acceptable abatement is to use the ladders in accordance with provisions stipulated in ANSI A14.5-2000 for Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladders, para.9.3.1.2 and 9.4.2 as applicable. Essential elements include but are not limited to the following: Step ladders shall not be used in the closed position. Single or straight ladders should be used. Damaged ladders need to be removed from service and destroyed or clearly marked not to use until repaired by a competent mechanic. Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days, the employer must submit an abatement plan describing the actions it is taking to ensure employee(s) are not exposed to the hazards of falling from step ladders being used as single step ladders and allowing damaged ladders to continue to be utilized.