An oil and gas waste company has been cited by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration after a worker was fatally exposed to hydrogen sulfide in September 2022 while working near a sump pit in El Paso, Texas.
OSHA said Wednesday it cited Andrews, Texas-based Production Waste Solutions LLC for six serious violations after inspectors found the company exposed its employees to serious chemical hazards.
The citations followed the death of the worker, who had been skimming and suctioning sludge water and oil byproducts from a sump pit when he was exposed to the lethal level of hydrogen sulfide.
In addition to exposing employees to inhalation risks, OSHA accused the company of failing to educate workers about the dangers associated with hydrogen sulfide exposure, failing to provide a body drenching or eye flushing station in areas near corrosive materials, and failing to perform a risk assessment. to determine, among other things, whether personal protective equipment is needed.
OSHA proposed penalties of $39,064. The company has 1
5 days to contest the citations.Hydrogen sulfide can be found in oil and gas deposits, and its presence can endanger employees working in confined spaces without proper protection, according to OSHA.
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