OSHA cited an Oklahoma-based aeronautical parts manufacturer for exposing workers to almost two dozen safety hazards at one of its plants.
The agency initiated the inspection following a complaint about a lax safety environment at the company’s plant in Catoosa, Oklahoma.
Inspectors found 23 serious violations related to confined spaces, fall hazards and blocked exit routes.
A concurrent health investigation into allegations of health hazards at the plant is ongoing, according to OSHA.
Fine: $284,963
Company: LMI Finishing Inc., doing business as Sonaca North America, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Business: Other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing
Reasons for fine:
23 serious violations for failing to:
- ensure that each employee was protected from tripping into holes that are less than 4 feet above a lower level by using covers or guardrail systems
- use fixed guardrail systems around hinged floor-hole covers
- keep exit routes free and unobstructed
- keep a clear space of at least 3 feet on all sides of storage or combustible construction
- ensure employees were knowledgeable on proper first-aid procedures related to dipping or coating hazards they were exposed to
- provide appropriate first-aid supplies for employees working with liquids that could burn, irritate or otherwise harm their skin
- provide periodic examinations of exposed body parts of employees who worked with chromic acid
- ensure use of protective equipment when hazards capable of injury and impairment were encountered
- ensure employees wore eye or face protection when exposed to hazards from flying particles, molten metal or liquid chemicals
- provide hand protection when employees’ hands were exposed to skin absorption hazards or harmful substances
- inform exposed employees of the existence, location and dangers posed by confined spaces
- identify and evaluate hazards of permit spaces before allowing employee entry
- develop procedures for safe permit space entry operations
- provide an attendant outside of permit spaces when entry was authorized
- develop procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services for rescuing entrants from permit spaces
- prepare an entry permit before entry was authorized
- provide training to employees required to work in confined spaces
- ensure lifting attachments had a rated capacity at least equal to that of the alloy steel chain they were used with
- use labeled electrical equipment in accordance with instructions included in the labeling
- close unused openings on electrical boxes
- prevent the use of flexible cords as substitutes for the fixed wiring of structures
- provide PPE to employees exposed to skin or eye contact with chromium
- ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was properly labeled or marked
One other-than serious violation for failing to:
- mount portable fire extinguishers so that they were readily available without subjecting employees to injuries
