Region 4 News Release: 11-429-ATL (135)
April 4, 2011
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
E-mail: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Mississippi propane tank
manufacturer for 19 safety violations following fatality

CLEVELAND, Miss. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Quality Steel Corp. in Cleveland for 19 safety violations following the October 2010 death of a worker who was ejected and crushed after the forklift he was operating overturned.

"Operating a powered industrial truck can quickly turn deadly when a load shifts unexpectedly," said Clyde Payne, OSHA's area director in Jackson. "Employers must ensure operators are utilizing seat belts to protect them from harm that can result in tragedies such as this one."

OSHA cited the company with one serious safety violation related to the fatality for failing to ensure the forklift operator was wearing a seat belt. Thirteen additional serious safety violations were cited, including failing to have an adequate lockout/tagout program and procedures regarding energy sources; not conducting required frequent and periodic inspections on lifting equipment; having a lack of machine guarding on rotating shaft and inclined belts; not ensuring electrical equipment was properly installed; allowing forklift modifications to be made that are not approved by the manufacturer; and not correctly identifying electrical branch circuits. 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.

Five other-than-serious safety violations were cited for stairs lacking standard rails, allowing welders to not wear a shade filter lens, not capping compressed gas cylinders, blocking access to a disconnect switch and outlets, and damaged electrical cords. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

Proposed penalties for the citations total $46,935. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by OSHA's Jackson Area Office, 3780 Interstate 55 N., Suite 210, Jackson, MS 39211; telephone 601-965-4606. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.