The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Patterson-UTI Energy Inc., in Snyder, Tex., for exposing employees to fall hazards, electrical hazards and unguarded machinery.
The oil and gas well drilling company, which employs about 6,000 workers in Snyder, was charged with 11 alleged serious safety violations, with proposed penalties of $44,500.
The alleged violations were discovered during an inspection that began May 9, 2001, on rig #131 at an oil well site operated by the company. OSHA found that the company exposed employees to fall hazards from the right through open-sided platforms. Additionally, there were improper machine guarding, electrical hazards on the rig and untrained operators.
A serious violation is one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.
Employers or workers who have questions concerning safety and health should contact their local area office. Call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 1-800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers.
edited by Sandy Smith
About the Author
EHS Today Staff
EHS Today's editorial staff includes:
Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.
Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.
Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.