November 22, 2024

Department of Labor reaches settlement with Mississippi pipe manufacturer to correct safety failures that led to 25-year-old worker's fatal injuries

Jindal Tubular USA accepts citations, must hire 3rd party safety consultant

BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS – The U.S. Department of Labor has entered into a settlement agreement with a Mississippi steel pipe manufacturer with a long history of safety failures to correct recent conditions that led to a 25-year-old employee's fatal injuries in January 2024 in Bay Saint Louis.

An investigation by the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration found Jindal Tubular USA LLC had not established safe practices for storing and stacking pipes, resulting in a tragic incident where 2,000-pound pipes collapsed, fatally injuring one worker and causing life-altering injuries to a 20-year-old laborer, who subsequently lost both legs.

OSHA cited the company for failing to ensure stacked pipes were stable and secure against collapse. Inspectors also identified three repeat violations that included failing to provide machine guarding, inspect or test electrical insulating protective gloves periodically, and prevent slipping hazards. In addition, the company was cited for 26 serious violations that included failing to ensure guardrails or covers were in place at open pits to protect employees from fall hazards, allowing accumulation of combustible dust on surfaces and failing to label exit doors to facilitate safe egress in the event of a fire.

"Jindal Tubular's repeated failure to provide employees with a safe workplace has been truly disturbing," said OSHA Area Office Director Courtney Bohannon in Jackson, Mississippi. "We hope this settlement signals a new willingness to make employee safety the centerpiece of its operations."

As part of the agreement negotiated by OSHA and the Office of the Solicitor, Jindal Tubular USA will withdraw its challenge to the citations and pay $442,815 in penalties. In addition, the employer is obligated to do the following:

• Hire a professional third-party consultant to develop a comprehensive safety and health program that the employer will implement within 30 days.
• Allow the consultant to conduct monthly worksite audits and provide copies of the audits to OSHA.
• Provide safety training to all stacking yard employees.
• Upgrade electrical wiring and components in combustible dust areas.
• Employ at least one dedicated safety and health professional who has completed a 30-hour OSHA safety course on each shift.
• Report work-related injuries and illnesses to OSHA on a quarterly basis for a period of three years and allow agency personnel to inspect without delay when a logged injury or illness occurs.

With the latest violations, Jindal Tubular USA has been cited for 46 OSHA safety violations in the last five years. The company manufactures and coats large diameter steel pipes at its 155-acre facility in Bay Saint Louis. Incorporated in 2014, the company has more than 400 employees.

Employers can visit OSHA's website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program, and can also contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

Media Contacts:

Erika B. Ruthman, 678-237-0630, ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov
Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov

Release Number:  24-1492-ATL (292)