The facility, which had been inspected 4 times once for a fatality investigation in 2003 was investigated by OSHA personnel after receiving injury and illness data from the company and receiving reports of complaints and accidents earlier in the year.
After the investigation, OSHA found that Columbus Steel Castings had allegedly failed to correct hazards involving missing or inadequate standard guardrails and inadequate guarding of vertical belts that posed a risk to workers. In each case, OSHA issued repeat violations based on an October 2003 investigation that found the same or similar hazards, which were cited and certified as corrected by the company.
The 59 serious citations issued by OSHA covered a variety of alleged hazards including confined spaces; lockout/tagout issues; problems with overhead cranes and forklifts; electrical hazards; inadequate machine guarding; and the improper storage of oxygen and fuel gas cylinders.
"Strong enforcement is a key part of OSHA's effort to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director in Columbus. "It should be clear that we will not tolerate indifference to the welfare and safety of working men and women."
Columbus Steel supplies castings to customers in the freight-car, mass transportation industrial and mining industries. It is one of the largest steel foundries in North America.