Zanesville Gas Well Company Fined By OSHA

A Zanesville based gas well salvage and capping business is being cited and fined by the U.S Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Chipco LLC is facing two alleged willful and seven alleged serious violations of federal workplace safety standards following the death of  worker Kenneth Hanson of Stockport  at a natural gas well site in Londonderry Township in Guerseny County last September.

The U.S, Labor Department says the alleged willful violations cite the company’s failure to provide appropriate respiratory protection, assess the worksite for potential respiratory hazards and provide adequate training.

The serious violations also allege failure to provide training, along with eye protection, a written respiratory protection program, a written hazard communication program, and material safety data sheets on hydrogen sulfide and other hazardous chemicals.

Chipco faces proposed penalties that total just over $165,000.

The company, which has been in business since 1998, has 15 days to comply, request a conference with OSHA or contest the findings.