OSHA says open-flame heater caused fatal oil rig fire in Oklahoma
OSHA on Wednesday said an open-flame heater was the likely cause of an oil rig fire that killed three workers and injured two others in Coalgate, Okla., last December. David Bates, area director for OSHA in Oklahoma City, said Dan D Drilling Corp. “chose to ignore” the hazard of using a heater despite being aware of the potential danger. OSHA cited the company in 2013 for allowing the use of an open-flame heater.
Dan D Drilling previously incurred seven serious OSHA violations for failing to provide drenching showers for employees working with corrosive materials, electrical equipment approved for hazardous locations and chemical hazard training.