Tag: OSHA

Chemical Plant Cited for Safety Violations

A Northern Panhandle chemical plant where chlorine gas spilled from a leaking tank car has been cited for alleged workplace safety violations.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration issued $25,500 in fines against Axiall Corp.’s Eagle Natrium LLC subsidiary. The Aug. 27 spill occurred at the company’s New Martinsville plant.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports Westlake Chemical Corp. bought the plant in September and that the citations were issued last month.

OSHA says three citations involved rules for safely managing hazardous chemicals. A fourth was for communicating such hazards to employees.

A preliminary report issued in October by the National Transportation Safety Board described a crack on one end of the tank car that leaked.

A Westlake spokesman didn’t immediately return an email seeking comment on the citations.

Feds Propose $214k in Safety Fines at West Virginia Sawmill

Federal workplace safety officials are proposing $214,000 in fines against a West Virginia sawmill they cited just two years ago.

On Monday, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced fines for 27 violations against Wayne Lumber & Mulch Inc.

The agency cited the company for nine repeat violations from a March 2014 inspection. Some included lacking effective hazard communication training plans, having electrical hazards, lacking a conveyor or exhaust system to remove combustible sawdust, lacking procedures to prevent machines from accidentally starting up, allowing buildup of combustible material and failing to provide leg protection.

New violations include not reporting when an employee cut off a finger while sawing, failing to guard a chop saw, lacking handrails, not using hand and eye protection, and letting workers operate forklifts without seatbelts.

 

Logger Faces $43K Fine for Safety Citations

Federal workplace safety officials are proposing a $42,600 fine for a West Virginia logging company.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the 18 violations against Switchback Timber Inc. in a news release Monday. The issues were found at the Bradley-based company’s operations in Dorothy.

The administration says Switchback failed to train employees in first-aid and CPR, an issue it was cited for in 2013.

It says the company failed to provide leg and face protection; ensure workers wore hardhats; ensure bulldozer drivers buckled up; fully enclose bulldozers to prevent driver injuries, and keep workers from having multiple passengers on machines meant for just one person.

Prentice Cline, OSHA’s area director in Charleston, said the CPR and first aid requirements are particularly important because of the company’s remote worksite.

West Virginia Project Contractor Cited for Violations

An Ohio contractor on a West Virginia project has been cited for alleged workplace safety and health violations.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says in a news release that it issued two willful, two repeat and three serious violations to Winesburg Builders of Millersburg, Ohio. The firm built townhouses in Big Chimney.

OSHA says roofers and framers were exposed to falls as high as 22 feet. Citations were also issued for a lack of eye and face protection while power equipment was used; working near unprotected openings in windows and stairways, and frayed electrical cords on an extension cord. The company also was cited for failing to conduct regular safety inspections.

Nearly $122,000 in fines were proposed against the company, which didn’t immediately return a telephone message Thursday.

Saw Mill Cited for Safety, Health Violations

Federal regulators have cited a Princeton saw mill for alleged workplace safety and health violations, including a lack of protective equipment worn…

Federal regulators have cited a Princeton saw mill for alleged workplace safety and health violations, including a lack of protective equipment worn during the operation of a chainsaw.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says in a news release that it issued one willful and 24 serious violations against Kenneth Snider Inc. OSHA says it opened an investigation in October in response to a complaint.

OSHA says inspectors saw workers within inches of an unguarded saw. Among other things, the company was cited for allegedly exposing employees to loud noises over long periods and failing to provide hearing protection.

OSHA says it has proposed $59,000 in fines against the company.

A message left at the saw mill wasn’t immediately returned Monday evening.

Officials Investigate Gas Workers Death in Pleasants County

Federal officials are investigating the death of a gas industry worker last month in Pleasants County.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports  the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is examining the death of 20-year-old Aaron Michael Flanigan of Pennsboro, which occurred Dec. 17.

OSHA spokeswoman Leni Uddyback-Fortson says Flanigan was working for Balis Well Service, using a wooden gauge stick to measure contents of a tank, when he was found unresponsive on top of the tank. Officials say Flanigan was dead when emergency crews arrived.

Uddyback-Fortson says although unknown at this point, the agency is investigating Flanigan’s death to determine if it was caused by exposure to hydrocarbon gases and vapors and oxygen deficient atmosphere.

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