Amputation, LOTO Hazards Add Up to $49,900 Fine for Steel Company
The serious violations involve failing to properly implement a lockout/tagout program for energy sources, provide adequate guarding of belts and pulleys, and provide proper storage of flammable materials.
OSHA has cited Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel in Pueblo, Colo., alleging one repeat, five serious, and two other-than-serious violations following a safety inspection of the company's seamless tube mill. Proposed fines total $49,900.
The repeat violation involves employee exposure to amputation hazards from rotating machine parts. A repeat citation is issued when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule, or order at any other facilities in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Evraz was cited for a similar hazard in July 2009.
The serious violations involve failing to properly implement a lockout/tagout program for energy sources, provide adequate guarding of belts and pulleys, provide proper storage of flammable materials, and protect workers from exposure to electrical hazards. An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm can result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.
The other-than-serious violations involve the employer's failure to maintain fire extinguishers and material safety data sheets. An other-than-serious violation has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
"Evraz failed to provide its employees with a safe and healthful workplace," said John Healy, OSHA area office director in Englewood. "The hazards uncovered during this investigation are well recognized in the industry."