In 2013, this company was cited by OSHA for allowing use of an open-flame heater on the floor of an oil rig. OSHA says an open-flame heater likely caused a fire and three workers’ deaths one year later.
The safety agency has cited Dan D Drilling Corp. of Lamont, OK, with $221,200 in violations in connection with the December 2014 deaths in Coalgate, OK.
Mark Pittman Jr., 26, Gary Kennan, 26, and Kelsey Bellah, 27, were working when the fire erupted. Bellah and Keenan died at the scene. Pittman died from his burns 16 days later in the hospital. Two other workers suffered serious burns. One was burned on his hands and arms when he attempted to assist an injured co-worker. The second injured worker suffered extensive burns and was hospitalized until early March 2015.
“The company knew this was hazardous, but chose to ignore the hazard,” said OSHA area director David Bates about use of the open-flame heater.
Dan D Drilling received 10 violations, 2 willful, 7 serious and 1 repeat, including failure to:
- prohibit use of an open-flame heater on the rig floor that exposed six workers to fire hazards (willful)
- provide and ensure that employees were wearing flame-resistant clothing (willful)
- properly train workers on the chemical and physical properties of new chemicals at the work site (serious)
- provide quick drenching showers for employees who work with corrosive materials (serious), and
- provide an emergency exit from the rig derrick platform (repeat; a similar violation was cited in March 2013 at another drilling site).
OSHA also placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program which requires follow-up inspections.
The company has 15 days from receipt of the violations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings to the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Dan D Drilling provides drilling services to the petroleum industry.
