OSHA Cites Water Technology Facility After Worker Was Severely Injured
Xylem Inc. faces a total of nine safety violations after an inspection.
- By Shereen Hashem
- May 05, 2021
OSHA cited Xlyem Inc. in Pewaukee, WI $234,054 for one willful and eight serious safety violations. A worker at a water technology facility suffered a serious injury when a guardrail loosened; he fell and struck his head on a support beam as he nearly lowered himself into a 30-foot deep water test pit, according to an article.
On October 29, 2020, OSHA received the injury report. Inspectors determined the company exposed employees to walking-working surface hazards, failed to provide employees with fall protection and failed to follow specific permit-required confined spaces safety procedures prior to entering water testing pits.
“This worker’s injury could have been prevented if appropriate fall protection was provided,” said OSHA Area Director Christine Zortman in Milwaukee. “OSHA has regulations for protecting workers who enter confined spaces, including having rescue equipment available and attendants ready to ensure their co-workers’ safety and to call for rescue services if necessary.”
The international company tests, troubleshoots and repairs large industrial water treatment pumps used by power plants and municipalities. Xylem employs 57 workers at the Pewaukee facility and more than 1,600 workers nationwide.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent OSH Commission.
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.