Unsafe working conditions have landed combined fines of more than $120,000 for two companies operating in the Texas oil and gas sector.
Exterran Energy Solutions LP and South Texas Specialty Welders LLC were cited by federal safety regulators for violations at a worksite in Alleyton, Texas.
An Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation found two repeat, 23 serious and four other violations. OSHA issued a $111,000 penalty to Exterran Energy Solutions LP and a $9,800 penalty to its labor broker, South Texas Specialty Welders LLC.
OSHA initiated the inspection on Jan. 13, 2016, after receiving a complaint alleging unsafe working conditions. The agency issued repeat citations after the employer failed to ensure proper disposal of materials contaminated with residues from the paint booth and for not ensuring proper labeling of containers with hazardous chemicals. OSHA cited the company for the same or similar violation in November 2014, at the same Alleyton worksite.
Among the 23 serious violations, OSHA cited Exterran for failing to:
- Prevent fall hazards on scaffolding, open-sided floor edges and steel tanks.
- Provide clear instructions for locking out energy sources prior to working on industrial machines.
- Prevent material handling hazards created by forklifts, cranes.
- Inspect and test lifting devices.
- Properly guard the points of operation and rotating parts on industrial grinders and metal presses.
The agency also cited South Texas Specialty Welders, the staffing company, for failing to ensure:
- The installation of protective railings on loading docks more than 4-feet high.
- Employees received fire extinguisher training when authorized to fight fire.
- A means for quick removal for welders in confined spaces in case of an emergency.
- Employees received effective hazard communication training where hazardous chemicals are used.
Exterran Energy Solutions is an oil and gas extraction equipment manufacturer, and South Texas Specialty Welders is a local staffing agency.
Source: OSHA
Topics Texas Commercial Lines Workers' Compensation Business Insurance
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