Ensign United States Drilling (S.W.) Inc. has been cited by OSHA for two repeat safety violations for exposing workers to possible hazards during oil well explosions. The repeat violations were cited for failing to correct deficiencies found during a 2011 investigation. Proposed penalties total $65,000.

OSHA's Houston North Area Office initially conducted an oil and gas inspection in November 2011 and cited the employer for an obstruction in the path of the emergency escape line. Also known as the Geronimo Line, it is a zip line that runs from the top of the oil well to the ground and allows workers to quickly evacuate a well in emergency situations. The company was fined $13,000 for those violations.