West Virginia Drilling Company Fined for Lack of Personal Protective Equipment

Hall Drilling LLC, a drilling company in West Virginia, faces fines from the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for violating safety regulations. OSHA sent officials to inspect the drill site in Wolf Summit, West Virginia, as part of its initiative to regulate the gas and oil drilling industry.

OSHA inspectors cited Hall Drilling for a failure to protect workers with proper flame-retardant protective coats and for exposing workers to explosions from uncontrolled gas flow. Proposed penalties total $12,600. Hall Drilling has 15 business days to agree to pay the fine or request a hearing with OSHA.

“The hazardous nature of oil and gas drilling operations requires employers to find and fix the hazards,” said regional OSHA Director Prentice Cline. “In this case, ensuring the use of proper protective equipment, such as flame-resistant clothing, could have helped in protecting the workers.”

Unexpected explosions and flash fires are a very serious threat in the drilling industry. Please contact our firm for a free consultation if you or a loved one needs assistance in filing for workers comp.

Tip of the week: Do not hesitate to request your employer for any equipment that keeps you safe while you perform your job.

Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys