Sawmill Cited by OSHA for Violations After a Worker Was Killed

DALLAS – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Nix Forest Industries Inc. in Timpson, Texas, with 17 safety and health violations, including one willful, after a worker was killed in December 2012 when he was struck by a broken band saw blade and other workers were exposed to hazards at the sawmill.

The willful violation resulted from failing to use control procedures for hazardous energy when cleaning, removing debris and unjamming equipment and machinery. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

Some of the 14 serious safety violations cited include failing to provide easily understood lockout/tagout training for energy control, failing to certify that energy control training was completed and current and failing to ensure that tagout devices were affixed to clearly indicate the operation or movement of the energy isolating device. Violations were also cited for failing to guard machines, ensure that pulleys with parts less than 7 feet from the floor were guarded, ensure that entry point warning signs were posted at possible low carriage areas, ensure band saw wheels were completely enclosed or guarded, and ensure flexible cords and cables were not used as substitutes for fixed wiring. One health violation was cited for failing to administer an effective hearing conservation program for workers exposed to occupational noise. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

An other-than-serious violation was cited for failing to ensure that an OSHA 300A injury and illness form was properly certified. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

“Nix Forest Industries failed to take adequate measures to protect workers from a variety of hazards, including being struck-by and caught-between machinery and equipment,” said Stephen Boyd, OSHA’s area director in Dallas. “Following OSHA standards saves lives. This unfortunate loss of life could possibly have been avoided.”

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/NixForestIndustriesInc_771461_0603_13.pdf* and http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/NixForestIndustriesInc_798862_0603_13.pdf*.

Proposed penalties total $116,200. The company, which specializes in cutting lumber to size for its customers, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Dallas area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Dallas office at 214-320-2400.

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 exist for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration

WI Cheese Worker Loses Fingers To Unguarded Machine

Gilman, WI (WorkersCompensation.com) – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Gilman Cheese Corp. for 10 safety violations totaling $126,700 in proposed fines. A worker had two fingers amputated by an unguarded cheese packing and labeling machine at the Gilman factory. A January inspection was prompted by a referral. OSHA found that another worker suffered a similar amputation in January 2012.

“This tragedy could have been prevented if Gilman Cheese Corp. ensured adequate machine guarding and lockout/tagout procedures,” said Mark Hysell, OSHA’s area director in Eau Claire. “Too often, compromised safety procedures have tragic consequences. OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job.”

Two willful violations involve failing to develop and train workers on machine-specific lockout procedures to prevent unexpected start-up and lockout machinery during servicing and maintenance, and to provide adequate machine guarding. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

Additionally, six serious violations involve inadequate guarding on a bench grinder and a portable grinder; lack of adequate emergency eyewash stations for workers handling corrosives; operating powered industrial vehicles without adequate training and inspections; using a flexible cord as permanent wiring; lack of an electrical safety program; and failing to provide training on bloodborne pathogens to those who cleaned equipment following the amputation. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Two other-than-serious violations include obstructing a means of egress and using compressed air greater than 30 pounds per square inch for cleaning. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

Because of the hazards and the willful violations cited, Gilman Cheese Corp. has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law. Under the program, OSHA may inspect any of the employer’s facilities or job sites. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVESp_id=4503.

The current citations may be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Gilman_Cheese_Corp_829801_06-07-13.pdf*. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Texas Sawmill Cited After A Worker Was Killed

Dallas, TX (WorkersCompensation.com) – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Nix Forest Industries Inc. in Timpson, Texas, with 17 safety and health violations, including one willful, after a worker was killed in December 2012 when he was struck by a broken band saw blade and other workers were exposed to hazards at the sawmill.

The willful violation resulted from failing to use control procedures for hazardous energy when cleaning, removing debris and unjamming equipment and machinery. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

Some of the 14 serious safety violations cited include failing to provide easily understood lockout/tagout training for energy control, failing to certify that energy control training was completed and current and failing to ensure that tagout devices were affixed to clearly indicate the operation or movement of the energy isolating device. Violations were also cited for failing to guard machines, ensure that pulleys with parts less than 7 feet from the floor were guarded, ensure that entry point warning signs were posted at possible low carriage areas, ensure band saw wheels were completely enclosed or guarded, and ensure flexible cords and cables were not used as substitutes for fixed wiring. One health violation was cited for failing to administer an effective hearing conservation program for workers exposed to occupational noise. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

An other-than-serious violation was cited for failing to ensure that an OSHA 300A injury and illness form was properly certified. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

“Nix Forest Industries failed to take adequate measures to protect workers from a variety of hazards, including being struck-by and caught-between machinery and equipment,” said Stephen Boyd, OSHA’s area director in Dallas. “Following OSHA standards saves lives. This unfortunate loss of life could possibly have been avoided.”

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/NixForestIndustriesInc_771461_0603_13.pdf* and http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/NixForestIndustriesInc_798862_0603_13.pdf*.

Proposed penalties total $116,200. The company, which specializes in cutting lumber to size for its customers, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Dallas area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

WI Foundry Cited For Exposing Workers To Coal Tar Pitch And Formaldehyde

Waukesha, WI (WorkersCompensation.com) – Castalloy Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 14 safety and health violations as the result of a follow-up inspection at the company’s Waukesha foundry on Nov. 28, 2012. The inspection found two repeat violations for allowing workers to be exposed to coal tar pitch volatiles in excess of permissible exposure limits and failing to provide medical surveillance for workers exposed to formaldehyde. OSHA has proposed fines totaling $83,160.

“Castalloy has failed in its responsibility to monitor exposure to hazardous materials and to provide proper respiratory and personal protective equipment to its foundry workers,” said Chris Zortman, OSHA’s area director in Milwaukee. “Repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to worker safety and health.”

The November inspection follows one in February 2011 where the company was cited for exposing workers to both coal tar pitch volatiles above the permissible exposure limit and to formaldehyde above the action level. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

Nine serious violations include exposure to formaldehyde in excess of the 8-hour OSHA permissible exposure limit, lack of eye protection for formaldehyde exposure and failing to post restricted warning signs regarding the use of formaldehyde. Other violations involve OSHA’s respiratory protection standards, including inadequate respirators for protection from coal tar pitch volatiles, allowing a respirator to be worn with a beard, deficient medical evaluations and changing cartridges without leaving the respirator use area and infrequently changing cartridges. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Three other-than-serious violations were issued involving personal protective equipment, machine safety and an electrical panel. An other-than-serious violation is one that has direct relationship on job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

The steel foundry employs 132 workers. Six of the 13 previous inspections since 1976 have resulted in citations. The last inspection in 2011 was conducted under the primary metal industries local emphasis program. Castalloy Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

97th MX takes safety to another level, receives honors

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ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – David Bates (far right), U.S. Department of Labor area director, and members of the 97th Maintenance Division pose for a photograph after being presented the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Volunteer Protection Program flag at Wings of Freedom Park, May 1. The OSHA VPP flag was presented to the 97th MX to recognize their achievement of VPP Star Status, an award for work sites that have achieved injury and illness rates at or below the national average in their respective industries.

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — A recognition ceremony was held Wednesday, May 1, to present the 97th Maintenance Directorate with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program Star rating.

During the ceremony, the 97th MX was presented with a plaque to recognize their achievement as well as a VPP flag to fly at their squadron.

“We worked for seven years trying to achieve the OSHA Star Status, which is one of three rankings,” said Bryan Doyle, 97th MX safety office supervisor. “Altus is the first active and civilian base to achieve this award. It is pretty prestigious.”

According to the OSHA website, the Star Program is designed for exemplary worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems. Companies in the Star Program have achieved injury and illness rates at or below the national average of their respective industries.

“To even be considered for the Star, we had to maintain our three-year average injury rates below the industry standards,” Doyle said. “This was accomplished through teamwork, better reporting, trend tracking and by completing a Job Safety Analysis on potentially dangerous worksite tasks.”

It took a complete team effort for the 97th MX to achieve this status and expressed thanks for all of the support they received.

“I’d like to thank all the employees in the A Team, without all of their support we never would have achieved this,” Doyle said. “Also, our mentors at Valero who helped us through the process, the commander and upper management – without their support we wouldn’t have been able to take the program to the level that we did.”

Houston manufacturing plant cited by OSHA for failing to protect workers

Posted: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 9:34 am

Houston manufacturing plant cited by OSHA for failing to protect workers

HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Texfab Inc. with 11 alleged serious and two other-than-serious violations for exposing workers to falls and other workplace hazards at its manufacturing plant on Link Drive in Navasota. OSHA’s Houston North Area Office began the investigation in March after receiving a complaint. Proposed penalties total $48,300.

The serious violations include a missing latch on a crane lifting hook and fall hazards into a pit and into dangerous machinery. The company also failed to ensure usage of proper personal protective equipment; supply at least grade D air in supply air respirators; equip air respirators with high temperature or carbon monoxide monitors; medically evaluate workers before they wear respirators; evaluate permit required confined spaces; provide a lockout/tagout program to control energy sources; periodically inspect a gantry crane; and provide machine guarding on point of operation for all machines. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The other-than-serious violations involve failing to provide a respirator protection program and fit test respirators. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

“Employers must recognize the hazards that exist in their workplaces and then develop safety and health procedures to protect workers on the job,” said David Doucet, OSHA’s area director at the Houston North Area Office.

Texfab specializes in the manufacturing of cylinders that are later manufactured into pressure vessels for the oil and gas industry, and employs about 10 workers at the Navasota location and about 70 at its Cypress facility. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742), the agency’s Houston North office at 281-591-2438 or its Houston South office at 281-286-0583.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act or 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 http://www.osha.gov.

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013 9:34 am.

Susane Rijos, 16, of Springfield, wins honorable mention in job safety poster …

BOSTON – With state data showing Massachusetts teens average nearly 700 work-related emergency room visits each year, state officials working to change these statistics recently announced the winners of the third annual Safe Jobs for Youth poster contest.

Susane Rijos, 16, of Springfield, shows the poster that earned her honorable mention the statewide Safe Jobs for Youth poster contest.

Susane Rijos, 16, of Springfield, won honorable mention for her submission.

“I think the poster contest is important because it is a great way to attract teenagers so that they know there are safety standards when it comes to their job environment,” said Rijos. “I hope teens will learn from the contest that their personal safety is a priority and it shouldn’t be overlooked just because they are younger or new to the job.”

The contest is co-sponsored by the state Departments of Public Health, Education, Labor Standards, Industrial Accidents, the Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth Corporation, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH).

A total of 170 teens participated in the contest, and 60 youth served as judges.

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne F. Goldstein recognized the award winners at the event. “I want to congratulate Susane Rijos and the other winners who have put their creativity and talent to use for the important goal of keeping young workers safe on the job,” said Secretary Goldstein in a prepared statement. According to the state data from 2005 to 2009, the newest available, there were 3,400 emergency department visits for work-related injuries to teens under age 18.

Shari Coté, 16, of Taunton won first place, taking home a cash prize of $500. Second place went to Chiara Lowell of Lowell and third place to Victoria Hamilton of Holbrook, who took home prizes of $300 and $100 respectively. In addition to Rijos, honorable mention winners include Dustin Sampson, 18 of Worcester; Alisa Partlan, 18 of Waltham, Spencer Travis, 16, Adrienne Kelley, 16 and Tianah Holmes,15, all of Taunton; Dustin Sampson, 18 of Worcester; and Alina Galindo, 16 of Somerville.

Transmission Lineman in Training Killed in Fall

Las Vegas, NV (WorkersCompensation.com) – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Las Vegas-based NV Energy for seven alleged safety and health violations, including six serious, following an investigation into a worker’s death on Sept. 25, 2012.

A lineman in training died when he fell 75 feet from a temporary horizontal ladder used as a platform between a transmission tower and a live 500-kilovolt transmission line. The transmission tower was part of a power grid that crosses the Moapa Paiute Reservation northeast of Las Vegas.

“Working with lines energized at thousands of volts demands expertly trained workers clad in gear that can protect workers from shocks associated with strong electromagnetic fields,” said Joy Flack, director of OSHA’s Las Vegas Area Office. “NV Energy spelled disaster when it failed to ensure these workers were protected from falling.”

The serious violations include failing to provide properly fitting personal protective equipment for each worker. Conductive booties too small were modified by cutting off the top portion and securing it to the work boots with tape, resulting in potential exposure to transient electrical shock and falls. Gloves and conductive suits had holes and tears. Additionally, NV Energy also failed to ensure that fall arrest equipment met required safety rules; ladders and platforms were used in applications other than for which they were designed, such as a ladder used as an anchorage for a personal fall arrest system, although the spliced horizontal ladder was not designed for this purpose; failure to comply with fall protection rules applicable to power transmission lines, which require trainees to use fall protection equipment any time they work more than 4 feet above the ground. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

One other-than-serious violation was cited for failing to provide OSHA with injury and illness records within four hours of request. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

Proposed penalties total $43,000. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Corvallis asphalt plant cited for safety, health violations

CORVALLIS – A Corvallis asphalt production plant, M.R. Asphalt Inc., has been cited with 16 safety and health violations by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration following an investigation into the death of a worker last fall.

William Irby Jr., 54, of Corvallis, was killed last September after he slipped off a tank that he was measuring and fell 15 feet, hitting his head on a concrete structure.

Irby was checking asphalt levels from the top of the tank when he slipped.

Following an investigation, OSHA cited the company with one willful violation for failing to provide a guardrail or fall protection on the working surface.

According to OSHA, a willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

“By ignoring fall protection requirements, this employer showed plain indifference and intentional disregard to worker safety,” said Jeff Funke, director of OSHA’s Billings Area Office, in a statement. “Employers who knowingly expose workers to life-threatening hazards will be held fully accountable.”

The company was also cited for 13 serious violations, which include failing to provide workers with information and training on hazardous chemicals, failing to provide adequate toilet and hand-washing facilities, and failing to protect workers from moving parts such as horizontal shafts, drive systems, rotating chains and sprocket assemblies.

Other violations included exposing workers to electrical hazards and leaving ladders with defects in service.

A serious violation occurs when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known, according to a statement from Jose A. Carnevali, a Department of Labor spokesman.

Two other-than-serious violations were given for failing to record each work-related fatality, injury or illness case, and to notify OSHA within eight hours of an occupational fatality.

An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

The company was given $54,000 in proposed penalties by OSHA. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

M.R. Asphalt owner Marty Romano declined to comment for this story.

Reach reporter David Erickson at 363-3300 or david.erickson@ravallirepublic.com.

Company cited for 21 violations after worker’s finger is amputated

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Smithville Manufacturing Co. for 21 health and safety violations, including one willful, after receiving a complaint that a worker’s finger was amputated at the facility by an unguarded press machine.

OSHA has proposed penalties of $65,800 as a result of the December 2012 inspection.

The willful violation was cited for failing to ensure point of operation guards were in place on mechanical power presses at the stamping facility, which does short-run productions of automotive parts. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

“Smithville Manufacturing has a responsibility to follow all safety guidelines, including the use of properly adjusted and adequate machine guarding to protect workers from injuries, such as amputations,” said Howard Eberts, OSHA’s area director in Cleveland. “Employers must recognize the hazards that exist in their workplaces and develop safety and health policies and procedures to protect workers on the job.”

A total of 18 serious violations were cited, nine of which involve lack of or improperly adjusted guarding on equipment, such as shears, grinders, screw machines and drill and power presses. Other violations involve failing to establish and train workers on energy control procedures; ensure employees lock out equipment prior to conducting maintenance or service; train workers on the use of fire extinguishers; establish die setting procedures; conduct weekly press inspections; develop a written hazard communication program; and train workers on the hazards of chemicals in the workplace. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Two other-than-serious health violations were issued for failing to develop a written respiratory protection program and blood-borne pathogens program. An Other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

The company has 15 days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Omaha Area Office at 402-553-0171.

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 http://www.osha.gov.