OSHA Fines Alabama Foundry $71,000 Following Investigation of Fatal Accident

May 6, 2005
OSHA has cited United States Pipe and Foundry Company of Birmingham, Ala., and has proposed penalties totaling $71,000 following inspections at the company's Bessemer, Ala., plant in response to a fatal accident last fall.

On Oct 27, dislodged crane cables struck and killed a foundry employee, according to OSHA. Although the company is a molten metal industry health "partner" with OSHA, the agency says it began a fatality investigation Oct. 28 and initiated plantwide safety and health inspections on Nov. 4.

"Partnerships, in general, have proven to be an effective tool in reducing worker fatalities, injuries and illnesses. This company focused on reducing employee exposure to noise, silica and lead but failed to address other serious hazards not specified in the partnership agreement," said Roberto Sanchez, OSHA's Birmingham area director.

The company received two serious citations directly related to the fatality, with proposed penalties of $9,500, for allegedly failing to have a safety latch on a gantry crane hook and allegedly failing to ensure that employees used personal protective equipment, such as hard hats.

OSHA also issued 20 additional serious citations, with proposed penalties of $61,500, alleging:

  • Other deficiencies in gantry and overhead cranes;
  • Inadequate personal protective equipment and eye wash stations for employees working with corrosive materials;
  • Improper labeling and storage of hazardous chemicals;
  • Failing to provide employees with safety and health training;
  • Lack of fall protection;
  • Failing to protect workers from electrical hazards;
  • Exposing employees to injuries from unguarded machinery; and
  • Not properly locking and tagging machinery to prevent start-up during maintenance or repair.

Sponsored Recommendations

Committing to Safety: Why Leadership’s Role in Safety Excellence is Key

Jan. 13, 2025
Leadership has the power to transform an organization through their behavior and vision, which can result in the creation of an organizational culturethat supports safety excellence...

Speak Up! Cementing "See Something, Say Something" to Drive Safety

Jan. 13, 2025
Many organizations promote "see something, say something" to encourage their people to intervene and make work safe. But most don't go far enough to equip teams with the skills...

The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease

Jan. 13, 2025
DEKRA announces its latest white paper, “The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease,” as a definitive look into why being vulnerable to incidents strengthens our commitment...

Mitigating Risks: Strategies for Safeguarding Workers in Hazardous Workplaces

Jan. 13, 2025
Join our expert team in taking on the challenge to make safety part of your organization’s DNA as work, the workforce, and workplaces evolve.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!