A Texas drilling company has been cited by OSHA for seven safety violations, after an employee was electrocuted while performing repair work on an oil drilling rig.
Ringo Drilling I LP, headquartered in Tye, Texas was issued four serious citations for failing to provide training on the hazards of electrical equipment, provide guardrails to prevent workers from falling into a hole more than 4 feet deep near the well head, ensure proper use of stepladders and properly guard electrical junction boxes.
Three repeat citations were issued for failing to protect workers from falls on platforms and other work areas by providing guardrails, inspect electrical cord sets and ensure that electrical cables were provided with proper strain relief. OSHA cited the company in 2008 and 2010 for similar violations.
Proposed penalties total $130,200. The company employs about 300 workers across West Texas.