Region 6 News Release:   USDL-OSHA-01-12-01-24
Wed., Jan. 24, 2001
Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd
Phone: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222 or 221

OSHA CITES SAW PIPES USA INC., BAYTOWN, TEXAS, FOR ALLEGED WORKPLACE SAFETY VIOLATIONS; PROPOSES $82,000 IN PENALTIES

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Saw Pipes USA Inc., in Baytown, Texas, for alleged serious, repeat and other safety violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and proposed penalties totaling $82,000, announced the U.S. Department of Labor.

The OSHA Houston North area office began an inspection of the company's facilities on Oct. 30, 2000 and found 32 alleged serious violations in the plant, including unguarded machinery, unguarded floor holes, open-sided-floors, exposed electrical parts, serious deficiencies with overhead cranes, and serious deficiencies in the control of hazardous energy. A serious violation is defined as 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.

The company was also cited for one alleged repeat violation for housekeeping and one alleged other than-serious violation for ladder safety. A repeat violation is defined as one where, upon re-inspection, a substantially similar violation is found. An other-than-serious violation is a condition, which would probably not cause death or serious physical harm, but would have a direct and immediate impact on the safety and health of employees.

On Jan. 19, 2001, OSHA cited Saw Pipes for allegedly failing to properly document recordable injuries and illnesses over the past three years and proposed penalties of $536,000. That inspection began July 2000.

The company manufactures large diameter carbon steel pipes mainly for the oil and gas transmission industry and employs about 112 workers.

The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request and participate in an informal conference with the OSHA Houston North area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.