Search

Oil Field Explosion Injures Three Workers, $467K in Penalties Issued

Posted on 5/13/2022 by Lauren Scott

OSHA issued citations to two energy companies following an explosion on November 4, 2021, at an oil drilling site near Grassy Butte, ND that left one worker permanently disabled and two severely injured. Workers were assembling a blasting cap on a perforating gun when the perforating gun detonated, releasing shrapnel and other debris.

OSHA cited an oilfield servicer for failing to equip vehicles transporting explosives with at least two fire extinguishers located near the driver’s seat. The employer also allegedly failed to ensure safe disposal or reuse of empty containers and packing materials used to wrap explosive materials. OSHA proposed penalties for the company totaling $453,982. Inspectors also noted the company vehicles lacked safety placards indicating the presence of explosive materials, a potential violation of US DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).

The second employer, a well maintenance company, was issued one serious safety citation for exposing workers to hazards during the handling of explosives during perforating operations. OSHA proposed $14,502 in penalties.

The companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
 

OSHA Workplace Safety at Multi-Employer Worksites

Under specific OSHA standards (such as HazCom, confined spaces, and asbestos), multi-employer worksites must meet unique requirements to protect full-time and part-time employees, subcontractors, temporary staff, and leased personnel.

OSHA's 1994 Field Inspection Reference Manual first addressed requirements for dealing with violations/violators at multi-employer worksites. The policy stated that on multi-employer worksites, inspectors may cite more than one employer for a single violation of an OSHA safety standard.
In 1999, OSHA issued a directive to clarify its policy (Directive Number CPL 2-0.124). The directive provided several multi-employer working scenarios and defined four types of employers:
 
  • The "exposing" employer exposes employees to hazards.
  • The "creating" employer is responsible for creating the hazard.
  • The "correcting" employer is responsible for correcting the hazard.
  • The "controlling" employer has the authority to manage the exposing, creating, or correcting employer.
 

OSHA Safety, Hazmat, and HAZWOPER Training Anytime, Anywhere

From respirators and PPE to hazard communication and lithium batteries, find safety training you need to protect your staff and maintain compliance with OSHA safety standards in 29 CFR at Lion.com/OSHA.

Tags: oil and gas, osha

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Shipping papers are a crucial part of safely shipping hazardous materials. See the top 5 mistakes shippers make on shipping papers, and how to avoid them.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.