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Region 6 News Release: 11-1651-DAL
Nov. 22, 2011
Contact: Elizabeth Todd   Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710   972-850-4709
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov   rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Ameri-Tech Industries
for serious violations at work site in Troy, Texas

TROY, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Ameri-Tech Industries LLC, doing business as Ameri-Tech Building Systems, for 16 serious safety violations at the company's manufacturing facility in Troy. Proposed penalties total $52,200.

OSHA's Austin Area Office began its inspection June 21 after a complaint was received about unsafe working conditions at the company's plant on Mueller Lane. The violations found include failing to provide fall protection, such as horizontal lifelines used with full-body harnesses and lanyards; provide machine guarding for table saws as well as anti-kickback features; maintain portable fire extinguishers fully charged and accessible for immediate use; provide illuminated exit signs; require the use of hand protection while working with sheet metal; ensure that power tools and electrical cords were maintained in a safe, working condition; utilize electric equipment is a safe manner; and ensure electrical paths to ground are permanent, continuous and effective. 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.

"Ameri-Tech Building Systems exposed its workers to falls and electrical hazards, among other dangerous conditions, both of which can cause serious and possibly fatal injuries," said Casey Perkins, OSHA's area director in Austin. "It is the employer's responsibility to assess hazards, and provide a safe and healthful workplace."

Detailed information about fall hazards and safeguards is available on OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/construction.html.

Center, Texas-based Ameri-Tech, which specializes in manufacturing portable metal buildings and employs about 200 workers companywide, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Austin, or contest the citations and 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 Austin office at 512-374-0271.

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, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.