OSHA UPDATE

Sheila SchulmeyerCompliance Assistance SpecialistOccupational Safety and HealthPermian Basin STEPS Network

OSHA UPDATE

7 Fatalities in the oil patch in West Texas since October 1, 2007 (Start of our Fiscal Year 08)

1 in 1311 – Drilling – Employee was struck by falling blocks – under investigation

6 in 1389 – Oilfield Services – Latest fatal involved a horsehead which came off the pump jack and struck an employee – under investigation

Focused Inspections in Oil and Gas

• Designed to take less time for inspections.

• Affects employers within 1381 and 1382.

• Employers receive focused inspections if their injury and illness rates are below their industry’s average.

• Focuses on four major hazards: Struck-by; falls; caught-by or crushed; exposure to harmful substances.

Focused Inspections for Oil and Gas con’t

• Focused inspections can only be accomplished on planned inspections. Complaints or accidents do not qualify.

• Directive states that the compliance officer will wait only an hour for the OSHA 300 logs. Law allows up to four hours.

• Our Region has determined that we will follow 1904.40 which gives employers up to four hours to produce requested documents.

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_id=3810

Web address from OSHA’s Website

To view the directive:

• This information has been developed by an OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist and is intended to assist employers, workers, and others as they strive to improve workplace health and safety. While we attempt to thoroughly address specific topics [or hazards], it is not possible to include discussion of everything necessary to ensure a healthy and safe working environment in a presentation of this nature. Thus, this information must be understood as a tool for addressing workplace hazards, rather than an exhaustive statement of an employer’s legal obligations, which are defined by statute, regulations, and standards. Likewise, to the extent that this information references practices or procedures that may enhance health or safety, but which are not required by a statute, regulation, or standard, it cannot, and does not, create additional legal obligations. Finally, over time, OSHA may modify rules and interpretations in light of new technology, information, or circumstances; to keep apprised of such developments, or to review information on a wide range of occupational safety and health topics, you can visit OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.