Fracking Tank Explodes, Injures Oil and Gas Workers in South Texas

On Behalf of | May 24, 2012 | Oil & Gas |

As Kristen Hays and Erwin Seba report for Reuters, the oil and gas firm Vann Energy Services has been hit with a citation from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after two oil and gas workers suffered injury from an exploding tank.

The workers’ jobs required them to go inside a fracking tank to clean it out. It’s not clear exactly why the tank exploded, but what is clear is that OSHA had reported problems with Vann Energy in the past, citing electrical hazards and unapproved safety gear worn by employees.

OSHA previously wanted to fine Vann Energy roughly $70,000 for these prior infractions. “It is fortunate these hazards were identified before anyone was seriously injured,” said an OSHA representative, but it appears as though he spoke too soon.

According to Reuters, the firm provides trucking and support for oilfield work.

Source: Two workers hurt in Texas fracking tank site blast