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OSHA News Release
2003 - 11/12/2003 - Scaffolding Hazards at Texas Work Site Bring OSHA Citations And Fines Totaling $59,850 |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 6 News Release: OSHA-03-700-DAL Wed., Nov. 12, 2003 Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd Phone: (214)767-4776, Ext. 222 or 221 Scaffolding Hazards at Texas Work Site Bring OSHA Citations And Fines Totaling $59,850 Insulation Inc. headquartered in Harahan, La. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- A pipe insulation installer's alleged failure to protect workers from falls and other scaffold-related hazards at a Nursery, Texas, construction site has resulted in proposed penalties of $59,850 from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Insulation Inc. was cited with 10 alleged serious and five alleged other safety violations following OSHA's investigation of a complaint. The inspection began Aug. 4 at a construction site in Nursery, Texas, where up to 22 workers were installing insulation in a chimney tower at a power plant. The company, headquartered in Harahan, La., employs approximately 599 workers company-wide. "Fortunately, no fatalities occurred at this worksite, but failure to protect workers and exposing them to fall hazards just like this have resulted in fatalities at other worksites," said John Giefer, OSHA's area director in Corpus Christi. "OSHA standards for scaffold safety are designed to protect workers from falls, and they must be strictly followed." The alleged serious violations were for failing to properly place scaffolding planks, failing to provide toeboards, failing to provide working levels with adequate planking, failing to remove debris on scaffold platforms, and failing to provide cages or climbing devices on ladders greater than 24 feet. A serious violation is one that involves a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard. Other alleged violations included failing to train employees on how to properly erect scaffolds and on the use of safety harnesses, failing to provide workers with proper safety harnesses, and failing to provide a written program on the use of chemicals and hazardous materials. Insulation Inc. has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Corpus Christi area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health and Review Commission. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call the OSHA Corpus Christi area office at (361) 888-3420. OSHA's toll-free hotline number may be used to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers at 1-800-321-6742. OSHA is dedicated to assuring workers safety and health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov ### U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. |
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