A North Dakota oil company "demonstrated a tremendous indifference toward recognized industry standards," according to OSHA's Tom Deutxcher. The Bismarck area director supervised an investigation into conditions at the company after an oil service explosion that killed two workers and seriously injured two others.

OSHA has cited Carlson Well Service Inc. in Powers Lake for failing to install an auxiliary escape on all land rig and for failing to properly install a blow-out preventer and provide necessary personal protective equipment such as flame-resistant clothing.

Proposed penalties for the violations total $84,000.