Following an explosion last July 23 that killed two welders at a oil-and-gas well site in Western Pennsylvania, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Northeast Energy Management Inc, Indiana, Pa., and Huntley & Huntley Inc., Monroeville, Pa., for workplace safety violations. Huntley & Huntley develops oil and gas wells and owns the Murry Heirs #6 well site in Cheswick, Pa., where the explosion occurred.

Northeast Energy is involved in drill-site preparation and reclamation, and had been contracted by Huntley to make repairs to a 210-barrel oil storage tank at the Murry Heirs #6 site.

According to a Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection report, the storage tank exploded, releasing oil and other liquids, and causing the well head and nearby production facilities to catch fire. The tank was propelled into the air and landed about 150 feet away.

The Pennsylvania DEP previously fined Huntley $32,000 as a part of a consent order and agreement to resolve violations of the state’s Oil and Gas Act and the Solid Waste Management Act.

OSHA’s investigation confirmed that Huntley was responsible for ensuring that Northeast Energy properly trained its workers on safe welding procedures. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees.

Huntley was assessed a penalty of $70,000, and Northeast Energy was assessed a penalty of $159,390.

"These companies did not ensure that proper welding procedures were followed, resulting in this tragic loss of life," stated OSHA’s Pittsburgh area director Robert Szymanski. "OSHA remains committed to holding employers legally responsible when they fail to adhere to federal law and compromise the safety of workers."

Huntley and Northeast Energy have 15 business days from the receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

OSHA cited Northeast Energy for two willful violations involving failure to ensure workers were welding on a thoroughly cleaned tank that did not contain flammable materials that might produce a flammable or toxic vapor when subjected to heat, and determine whether flammable/combustible or other hazardous materials were present.

Huntley & Huntley was cited for one willful violation for failing to ensure Northeast Energy suitably trained welders and supervisors in the safe operation of welding equipment and the safe use of the welding process.

OSHA issues a “willful violation” when its investigation finds an employer has demonstrated either an intentional disregard for the requirements of the law or plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Northeast Energy also was cited for serious violations for failing to provide workers with flame-retardant clothing protection, to ensure that supervision determined the welder secured approval prior to commence welding operations, and to train employees in the specific procedures needed to protect themselves from hazardous chemicals.

OSHA issues a “serious citation” when its investigation finds there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.