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OSHA News Release
2005 - 09/20/2005 - Pittsburg, Texas-based Steel Erector Fined $64,500 for Alleged Safety Violations at a Duncanville Worksite |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 6 News Release: OSHA-05-1712-DAL Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005 Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd Phone: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222 or 221 Pittsburg, Texas-based Steel Erector Fined $64,500 for Alleged Safety Violations at a Duncanville Worksite
DALLAS -- A Pittsburg, Texas-based steel erector's alleged failure to protect employees from fall and struck-by hazards at a Duncanville, Texas construction site has resulted in proposed penalties of $64,500 from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA cited TWS Construction Services, a structural steel erection company that employs about 12 workers, for three alleged willful and one alleged serious violation following the March 29 collapse of a steel structure that injured three employees at a job site on North Main Street in Duncanville, Texas. "This employer knew early into the building's construction that the steel frame was unstable, but failed to take the necessary measures to stabilize the structure" said Kathryn Delaney, OSHA area director in Dallas. "OSHA's steel erection standard, which has been in effect since January 2002, was developed to prevent incidents like this from occurring." The alleged willful violations were for failing to brace columns, adequately secure I-beams and steel joists before releasing them from a crane, and for placing steel joists on a supporting structure that was not stabilized. A willful violation is defined as an intentional disregard of or plain indifference to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations. The alleged serious violation involved failure to provide appropriate means to secure fall protection equipment to employees who were connecting steel and working more than 15 feet above lower levels. A serious violation is one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard. TWS Construction Services has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the Dallas area director or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Employers and employees with questions about workplace safety and health can contact OSHA's Dallas area office at (214) 320-2400. A toll-free hotline may be used to report workplace accidents, fatalities, or situations posing imminent danger to workers. The number is 1-800-321-6742. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance. |
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