OSHA Finds Multiple Violations at Tulsa Metal Fabrication Facility After Worker’s Tragic Death -- Occupational Health & Safety

OSHA Finds Multiple Violations at Tulsa Metal Fabrication Facility After Worker’s Tragic Death

Accurate Manufacturing Inc. now faces penalties totaling $275,890.

By Robert Yaniz Jr.
Oct 17, 2023

Tulsa-based Accurate Manufacturing Inc.—which manufactures and builds steel for industries such as oil and gas—is now facing $275,890 in penalties following three OSHA investigations.

According to a release dated Oct. 12, OSHA’s recent probes into the company revealed 36 violations, including 25 serious violations of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regulations. The investigation launched after an April 2023 incident during the pressure testing of a heat exchanger when an exchanger's plug blew off at 2,600 psi, fatally striking a worker.

In addition to the tragic incident, OSHA identified numerous other hazards such as obstructed exit routes, ungrounded barrels of flammable chemicals, absence of energy-control programs, use of malfunctioning powered industrial equipment, missing machine guards, poorly maintained electrical equipment and insufficient protective gear for welders.

Following the initial investigation, OSHA launched a health-focused investigation at the facility under an existing Regional Emphasis Program. These findings highlighted an additional 10 violations, primarily regarding hearing protection, audiometric testing, spray booth standards and respiratory protection protocols.

“Our investigations identified three dozen violations, most of them serious, and found hazardous conditions affecting nearly every aspect of Accurate Manufacturing’s operations,” OSHA Area Director Steven Kirby in Oklahoma City said in a statement. “We have major concerns about the company’s lack of commitment to protecting its employees and a disregard of hazards that has contributed to an employee losing their life.”

Accurate Manufacturing now has 15 business days to either comply, initiate an informal discussion with OSHA’s area director, or challenge the agency’s findings.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

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