OKLAHOMA CITY -- Three companies have been cited in connection with a deadly drilling rig explosion in Quinton in January.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Patterson-UTI Drilling, Crescent Consulting LLC and Skyline Directional Drilling LLC for exposing workers to fire and explosion hazards.
Five workers were killed in the explosion, which happened on a Patterson-UTI drilling rig.
OSHA cited Patterson-UTI and Crescent Consulting for failing to maintain proper controls while drilling a well, inspect slow descent devices and implement emergency response plans.
All three companies were cited for failing ensure that heat lamps in use were approved for hazardous locations.
The three companies face penalties totaling $118,643, the maximum-possible OSHA fine.
“These employers failed to properly control hazards involved in oil and gas extraction activities, and the result was tragic,” said OSHA Oklahoma City Area Office Director David Bates. “Employers are required to monitor their operations to ensure workplace health and safety procedures are adequate and effective.”
Patterson-UTI released the following statement:
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and others impacted by the accident. We appreciate the important work OSHA undertakes to help ensure safe and healthy working conditions, and we have fully cooperated in the investigation. We have carefully reviewed the citation, we disagree with its findings, and we have filed a notice of contest with OSHA. We remain committed to providing a safe working environment for our employees and others we work with in the field.”
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