Texas Company Cited for Fall Hazards, Unguarded Machinery
OSHA's case against the metal fuel-tank fabricator involves 25 serious violations.
OSHA announced an enforcement case with 25 serious safety and health violations at Transition of Superior Systems in Merkel, Texas. The agency's investigation is part of its Regional Emphasis Program of Fabricated Metals and was conducted by OSHA's Lubbock Area Office. It found that the metal fuel-tank fabricator failed to provide safeguards for air compressor pulleys and belts, grinders, and plate rollers.
Several fall hazards also existed, including an open loft area without a gate or chain, failure to prevent falls, and a missing stair rail leading to a cement mixer.
"Safety and health in the workplace is not a luxury -- it's the law. When an employer like Transition of Superior Systems fails to find and fix hazards, a worker's livelihood and life are at risk. OSHA will never tolerate such negligence," said Elizabeth Linda Routh, OSHA's area director in Lubbock.
Other serious hazards include unsafe storage of flammable liquids; keeping forklifts needing repair in service; covering live electrical wires; and using frayed electrical cords rather than repairing or replacing them.