A Mumbai, India-based pipe manufacturer has received nearly two dozen citations from OSHA, following an inspection at its Little Rock facility. According to the agency,Welspun Tubular LLCfailed to protect employees from struck-by hazards, to provide a self-closing fire door, and to determine load capacities of cranes. Additionally, lockout/tagout procedures were not followed to deenergize electrical equipment.
Workers who were exposed to blood-borne pathogens were not given hepatitis B vaccinations, nor were respiratory hazards identified and training in hazard communication given.
"This company put its workers' safety and health at risk by exposing them to a variety of hazardous working conditions," said Carlos Reynolds, director of OSHA's Little Rock Area Office. "OSHA's safety standards must be followed to avoid injuries and fatalities." Porposed penalties against Welspun total $88,000.
The company employs more than 20,000 workers globally, with about 265 workers at the Little Rock facility.
Other-than-serious violations were issued for failing to provide fork truck maintenance and to adequately complete the OSHA 300 logs with detailed information on work-related injuries and illnesses.
