Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 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 struck-by hazards associated with blowout preventer failure: On or about 8 May 2008, and at other times prior thereto, at Reyes #1 well, Rig #9, employees were involved in performing horizontal drilling operations: a.The employer did not ensure precautions were taken to avoid being struck by equipment and other materials during a well blow out. b.In the event of a blowout, the employer did not ensure all personnel immediately evacuated the rig and did not re-enter the rig area. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is ensure employees practice blowout preventer drills in accordance with Chapter 6, American Petroleum Institute, Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling Operations, RP54, Third Edition, August 1999, Reaffirmed, March 2007.