Federal safety officials have cited a Texas oil well services company in the deaths of three workers killed while working to install a blowout preventer, which seals, controls and monitors a rig.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said an Upton County oil rig inferno killed family members Arturo Martinez Sr., Arturo Martinez Jr. and Rogelio Salgado in March 2015.
OSHA cited employer Mason Well Service of Odessa on Sept. 8 for one repeated and five serious workplace violations. The agency determined that the company failed to prevent contact between an ignition source and flammable liquids and gases, and did not ensure workers wore personal hydrogen sulfide monitors and flame-retardant clothing.
Parsley Energy in Midland owned the well and contracted Mason to install a blowout preventer.
OSHA has proposed fines totaling $50,400.
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless case,” said Elizabeth Linda Routh, OSHA’s area director in Lubbock. “Though the fines for the serious violations are the maximum amount allowed by law, no dollar amount can ease the loss felt by family and friends.”
An oil and gas well servicing company, Mason Well employs 120 workers. It has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Source: OSHA
Topics Texas Workers' Compensation Energy Oil Gas
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