Serious Violations Lead to Texas Refinery's $115,650 Fine
The serious violations include failing to provide properly constructed scaffolds and provide supports to hold piping.
OSHA has cited Pasadena Refining Services Inc. with 21 serious violations for exposing workers to multiple safety and health hazards at the company's facility in Pasadena. Proposed penalties total $115,650.
OSHA's Houston South Area Office in Texas began its investigation on June 30 at the company's facility as part of the agency's national emphasis program on process safety management of refineries.
The serious violations include failing to provide properly constructed scaffolds, provide supports to hold piping, provide controls to prevent valves from closing, conduct annual confined space audits, ensure guard rails are adequate, and ensure that operating procedures are up-to-date and accurate. A serious violation is one in which there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
"OSHA's National Emphasis Program is designed to comprehensively evaluate the petroleum refining industry," said Mark Briggs, OSHA's area director for the Houston South Area Office. "An employer's lack of compliance with OSHA's standards will not be tolerated."
Pasadena Refining Services is an independent refinery which employs about 363 employees in Pasadena.