Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard:

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 employees in that employees were exposed to the recognized hazard of being struck by a hoist line. Express Energy Services, at the worksite of Patterson-UTI Rig #235, Gonzales County, TX. On or about 4 April 2012, and at times prior thereto, while casing operations were commencing, employees who perform stabbing work were required to place a stabbing board in position at a height of approximately 50 feet above the drilling platform. The board was lifted into position with the use of an air hoist. The employees who position the board were stabbers and use their hands to hold the hoist line and manually guide the board up through the interior of the derrick mast to prevent the board from becoming stuck, entangled, or from striking the lights, exposing the employees to potential struck by hazards from the catastrophic failure of the hoist line. Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that tag lines are utilized to move and guide loads while being lifted.