U.S. Department of Labor Cites Four Colorado Employers After Fatal Fire and Explosion at Oil and Gas Facility

DENVER, CO – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited four employers – Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Energes Services LLC, Dominguez Welding LLC, and Unlimited Services LLC – for exposing employees to health and safety hazards at an oil and gas tank battery construction project where one employee was killed in an explosion and fire and three others suffered third-degree burns. The companies face $70,711 in proposed penalties.

Employees were merging two tank batteries into a single tank battery operated by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in Mead in May 2017 when the explosion and fire occurred. OSHA inspectors found that flammable vapors or gases ignited as employees worked near pipes connected to a crude oil tank. 

OSHA cited the employers for introducing potential ignition sources into work areas containing flammable gases or vapors; not isolating flammable gases or vapors from welding activity; and not adequately inspecting the worksite and addressing safety hazards including an excavation.

“Oil and gas industry employers must take proper precautions for hot work in the presence of flammable hydrocarbon vapors,” said OSHA Area Director Herb Gibson, in Denver. “OSHA and the industry have issued guidance for employers on the hazards of flammable materials and appropriate protective measures.”

Each company has held an informal conference with OSHA’s Denver Area Office to discuss and attempt to resolve the citations.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.