India-Based Company Fined $77K for Amputation Hazards at Arkansas Plant

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Welspun Tubular LLC in Little Rock, Ark., for two safety and health violations for exposing workers to possible amputation hazards at its Little Rock facility. The proposed penalty is $77,000.

A willful violation, with a fine of $70,000, was cited for failing to use listed or labeled electrical equipment, in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

A serious violation, with a fine of $7,000, was cited for failing to install equipment and/or controls to prevent pipes from moving and crushing workers.

A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The Mumbai, India-based company is a worldwide pipe manufacturer that employs more than 20,000 workers globally, with about 244 workers at its Little Rock facility. Welspun has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with the area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA