Feds cite W.Va. gas driller following '12 fire
OSHA cites, proposes fines for West Virginia gas driller following 2012 fire that injured 3
ELLENBORO, W.Va. (AP) -- A West Virginia gas drilling operator is facing fines following a 2012 well fire that injured three workers.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Monday it had cited Ellenboro-based Hall Drilling LLC with two serious safety violations found at a Wolf Summit drill site following the August 2012 fire.
The agency proposed $12,600 in penalties.
The violations included failing to ensure the use of flame-retardant clothing and to ensure workers were not exposed to fire and gas explosions from uncontrolled gas flow at the well bore. The violations were categorized as serious, which means there is "substantial probability" that they could cause death or serious injury.
Hall Drilling has 15 business days to comply, request a conference with the agency or contest the citations.
