Manufacturer Fined Nearly $182K for Safety Violations at Texas Facility

A federal inspection prompted by employee complaints found workers exposed to amputations and other hazards at D&D Manufacturing Inc. in El Paso, Texas.

The company has been cited for 41 safety and health violations, including 36 serious violations, by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Proposed fines total $181,800.

With a penalty of $177,300, the 36 serious violations were cited for failure to provide adequate machine guarding; properly inspect power presses; and utilize proper procedures to de-energize equipment during maintenance, including punch presses.

The employer also failed to implement an effective hearing conservation program for noise levels in excess of 85 decibels; did not provide proper maintenance on conductors with damaged insulation; and exposed workers to live electrical parts.

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 remaining five violations, with a $4,500 penalty, included citations for failure to assess the need for personal protective equipment; educate workers on the voluntary use of respiratory protection; implement a written hazard communication program; and certify training of forklift operators.

Additionally, the employer was issued a hazard letter addressing slip hazards and obstructions in aisles and walkways.

Headquartered in Bolingbrook, Ill., D&D Manufacturing fabricates stamped metal components for equipment manufacturers and employs about 37 workers in El Paso. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s El Paso area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA