RITCHIE DRILLING OUTFIT FINED OVER FIRE INJURING WORKERS

(02/26/2013)

A Ritchie gas drilling operator is facing a fine following a 2012 well fire that injured three workers. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Ellenboro-based Hall Drilling LLC with two safety violations found at a Wolf Summit drill site following the August 2012 fire. The agency has 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.

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