More than $360,000 in Fines Proposed Against Railcar Repair Facility

OSHA is proposing $364,350 in penalties against Frit Car Inc. in Brewton, Ala., for alleged safety and health violations. The inspection began April 3 when four workers were overcome by vapors while working in a confined space.

The company is being cited with five willful violations with a proposed penalty of $315,000 relating to failing to have an assigned attendant outside a limited space work area; not having procedures for alerting emergency services for rescuing workers in a confined space; not having a procedure that would prevent unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue; failing to train workers who perform work in a confined space; failing to ensure the entry supervisors verified that all the entries were known; and failing to train each member of the emergency response team in confined space rescue.

The facility is also being cited with 17 serious safety and health violations with $47,950 in proposed penalties. The safety hazards include several deficiencies in the company's enclosed and limited space program, hazards associated with poor housekeeping, no guardrails on walkways, unsuitable eye wash and shower facilities, inoperable safety interlocks on a baler machine, no tongue guard on a bench grinder, and a damaged tool. The health violations concern hazards associated with several deficiencies related to noise overexposure, the employer's respiratory program and a damaged welding lead on the mobile service truck.

Two other-than-serious citations with a $1,400 proposed penalty are being issued to the company for recordkeeping deficiencies and not properly storing air-supplied air respirators after usage.

OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

"This incident could have resulted in fatal consequences because Frit Car management knowingly violated OSHA safety and health standards," said Kurt Petermeyer, director of OSHA's Mobile Area Office.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars