A steel fabrication company, recently faced three federal investigations initiated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following the tragic death of an employee in April 2023. These investigations uncovered a staggering 36 violations, 25 of which were deemed serious breaches of U.S. Department of Labor regulations.
Fatal Incident at Metal Fabrication Company Reveals 36 Health and Safety Violations
The initial inspection was prompted by a fatal incident during pressure testing, where an employee sustained fatal injuries due to a heat exchanger malfunction. OSHA found the company in violation of the general duty clause, indicating a failure to ensure employee safety. Subsequent inspections revealed a multitude of safety hazards, including obstructed exit routes, inadequate safety measures for flammable chemicals, and lapses in machine guards and equipment maintenance.
Moreover, OSHA’s health investigation discovered ten additional violations, ranging from insufficient hearing conservation programs to deficiencies in respiratory protection and hazard communication protocols.
The Result
The culmination of these findings has resulted in proposed penalties amounting to $275,890 across the three inspections. Steven Kirby, OSHA’s Area Director in Oklahoma, expressed significant concerns regarding the steel fabrication company’s disregard for employee safety, highlighting a pervasive lack of commitment to addressing hazards within the company’s operations.
The steel fabrication company and its sister company have been integral in producing steel products for various industries, including oil and gas, since their establishment in the late ’90s and early 2000s. With a workforce of around 40 individuals specializing in steel fabrication and manufacturing, these violations not only raise concerns for employee safety but also underscore the importance of stringent compliance with safety regulations.
The steel fabrication company has a brief window of 15 business days to respond to the citations and penalties issued by OSHA. The company can choose to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Conclusion
For small and midsize Business owners, this serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of non-compliance with employment regulations. Prioritizing safety measures, regular audits, and a commitment to addressing hazards are crucial not only to avoid penalties but, more importantly, to ensure the well-being of employees within the workplace. Maintaining a robust safety culture isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a fundamental responsibility for every Business.