Pecos, Texas, Manufacturing Plant Cited for Safety, Health Hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited TransPecos Foods in Pecos for alleged workplace safety and health violations following an inspection at the company’s facility on East Palmer Road. Proposed penalties total $69,650.

OSHA said its El Paso area office initiated its inspection on Oct. 15, 2009. The investigation found that TransPecos Foods, which employs about 150 workers at its Pecos facility, failed to implement OSHA’s process safety management procedures, exposing employees to unsafe working conditions.

OSHA has alleged 18 serious citations including failing to protect employees from exposed electrical wires, to provide forklift inspections, to protect workers from rotating parts on conveyor belts, to provide a wash station for employees during the use of corrosive chemicals and to train employees on hazard communication.

Other-than-serious citations also have been issued for failing to ensure fire extinguishers were properly mounted and to provide illuminated exit signs.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in El Paso, Texas, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA, http://www.osha.gov.