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Region 6 News Release: 12-1771-DAL
Oct. 2, 2012
Contact: Elizabeth Todd      Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710      972-850-4709
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov      rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites ThyssenKrupp Airport Systems in
Fort Worth, Texas, for exposing workers to multiple safety hazards
Proposed fines total $172,000

FORT WORTH, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited ThyssenKrupp Airport Systems Inc. with 28 serious safety violations at its Fort Worth work site for exposing workers to "struck-by," fall, amputation and shock hazards while they were manufacturing airport passenger boarding bridges. Proposed penalties total $172,000.

OSHA's Fort Worth Area Office initiated an inspection of the North Sylvania Avenue facility under the agency's National Emphasis Program on Amputations and its Regional Emphasis Program on Safety and Health Hazards in the Manufacture of Fabricated Metal Products. The violations involve failing to regularly inspect overhead cranes, hooks and slings; rate or inspect devices used for lifting; provide machine guarding for a press brake and belt sander; ensure that exits are not blocked and are properly marked; provide fall protection such as harnesses and guardrails; train workers on lockout/tagout procedures for the control of energy sources; and provide strain relief for flexible electrical cords. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

"This company exposed workers to serious safety hazards that could cause amputations or electrocutions," said Jack Rector, OSHA's area director in Fort Worth. "OSHA will not tolerate an employer's disregard for workplace safety."

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/ThyssenKruppAirportSystemsInc_385562_1001_12.pdf*.

ThyssenKrupp Airport Systems, a subsidiary of Chicago-based ThyssenKrupp USA Inc., employs about 180 workers in Fort Worth. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Fort Worth office at 817-581-7303.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

* Accessibility Assistance Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.