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 free from recognized hazards that were causing, or likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to employees. On or about October 14, 2005 at and/or near the Walking T #1-H Lease located in Tarrant County, TX, personnel of Felderhoff Brothers Drilling, Rig No. 1, were servicing an Ideco MM700 duplex mud pump that was powered by a CAT D379 diesel engine when the air clutch to the mud pump was engaged while the engine was running. A worker who was positioned at and/or near the area of the bull wheel, was fatally injured when he was struck by a 36-inch long pipe wrench that had been attached to the drive shaft of the diesel engine. Adequate measures were not taken prior to the commencement of maintenance activities on the machine to ensure that the all potential energy sources had been isolated. Among other means, some feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct these hazards are: 1.Develop and effectively implement energy control procedures that clearly and specifically outline the steps/methods for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing the machine or equipment to control potential hazardous energy, i.e., in addition to the electrical power source to the pump, other sources of energy include, but are not limited to the mechanical power source created by the diesel engine and the air driven clutch located on the mud pump that activates the pony rods. 2.Provide adequate training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control policy and procedures are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees. 3.Conduct periodic reviews of the energy control program to ensure energy control procedures are effective and are being implemented correctly in the field.