Region 6 News Release: 12-2231-DAL
Nov. 20, 2012
Contact: Elizabeth Todd Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710 972-850-4709
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites ProMaxima Manufacturing
in Houston for exposing workers to amputations, other hazards

HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited ProMaxima Manufacturing Ltd. in Houston with nine serious safety violations for inadequately guarded machinery among other hazards. Proposed penalties total $47,700.

OSHA's Houston South Area Office opened an inspection in response to a referral from the Labor Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs about workers seen using inadequately guarded saws and grinders. ProMaxima manufactures fitness equipment for various federal agencies.

The violations include failing to properly guard machinery such as saws and grinders, provide lockout/tagout procedures for machines' energy sources, properly store gas cylinders, keep electrical equipment free and clear of obstacles, and train and certify forklift operators. 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 employer exposed workers to amputations as well as fire and electrical hazards," said Mark Briggs, director of OSHA's Houston South office. "It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe and healthful environment for workers."

ProMaxima Manufacturing, which employs about 200 workers, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Houston South area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742), the agency's Houston South office at 281-286-0583 or its Houston North office at 281-591-2438.

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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.