OSHA has cited Raani Corp. of Bedford Park, Ill., for six alleged willful violations and seven serious violations in connection with a worker's death from chemical burns in November 2011.
The investigation found that platforms were not properly guarded, emergency escape lines were kinked, and eye wash stations did not function properly, among other hazards.
OSHA opened an inspection in February after nine employees were sent to the hospital as the result of being exposed to chlorine gas, which occurred when incompatible chemicals were mixed together.
At the time of the incident, employees were injecting wastewater underground that was left over from hydraulic fracturing and drilling operations.
An OSHA investigation was initiated in November 2011 following the death of a worker who was crushed in a coating machine while attempting to clear a jam.
OSHA opened an inspection after receiving a complaint in November 2011 that an automobile being worked on fell off a lift and landed on top of an employee, who consequently suffered a broken hip and internal injuries.
Repeat violations include exposing employees to a potential 26-foot fall hazard as they worked on the drilling floor next to an open V-door and a non-functional eye wash station used to prevent injury in the event of corrosive materials entering the eyes.
Two repeat health violations, similar to violations cited in 2007, include failing to provide eye protection for workers using aluminum brightener and other corrosives and provide access to an emergency eyewash station.
Three repeat health violations involve failing to mark chemical containers with their contents and hazardous warning labels, as well as to provide an emergency eyewash station for employees working with corrosive chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite and anhydrous ammonia.
OSHA issued one willful and nine serious violations following a health inspection that found workers exposed to excessive noise levels and other hazards at the company's Houston facility.
The agency's new training website offers training materials based on its regulations and developed in house. And in the future, the agency will offer training curricula that allow users to earn certificates of completion.
OSHA initiated an inspection in response to a referral from New Jersey's Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health Program. Proposed fines total $126,875.
OSHA's Chicago North Area Office initiated an inspection after receiving a complaint alleging that employees were not provided with forklift training and a hazardous material spill had occurred due to a forklift incident.
"Left uncorrected, these conditions expose workers to potential crushing and 'struck-by' injuries, lacerations, amputations, electric shock, and being unable to exit the workplace swiftly in the event of a fire or other emergency," said Patrick Griffin, OSHA's Rhode Island area director.
"Our inspections found numerous electrical, chemical, mechanical, fire, and exit hazards at this plant," said Paul Mangiafico, OSHA's area director in Hartford, Conn.
OSHA opened an inspection after receiving a report that employees were performing small parts plating operations without protection against chemical and physical hazards.
Seven repeat safety and health violations include using PVC piping for compressed air throughout the facility, failing to secure or mount electrical outlets properly, and failing to guard live electrical parts of equipment.
OSHA's Omaha Area Office initiated its inspection as part of a local emphasis program on the handling of motorized equipment, such as powered industrial trucks, skid steers, and cranes.
Seventeen serious safety and health violations were cited. Those related to hexavalent chromium include failing to prevent exposure beyond OSHA's authorized limits and not developing a plan to limit exposure.
Practices and precautions to protect laboratory personnel include safety guidance for using autoclaves, use of chemical fume hoods, labeling and transferring chemicals, and latex exposure.