Region 6 News Release: 12-2357-DAL
Dec. 10, 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 Amerimex Motors & Controls in
Houston for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals, other safety hazards

HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Amerimex Motors & Controls Inc. with 28 violations following a June complaint inspection for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals and other safety hazards, including electrical and unguarded machines at its North Milby facility in Houston. Proposed penalties total $82,900.

"Failing to protect employees from exposure to, and inhalation of, hazardous chemicals can be fatal," said Mark Briggs, OSHA's area director at its Houston South Area Office. "OSHA's safety and health standards must be followed to prevent worker injury and illness."

OSHA's Houston South Area Office cited 13 serious violations for failing to implement energy control procedures; guard operating machinery, such as punches, lathes and brakes; ensure compressed gases are safely stored; properly mark electrical disconnects; provide an emergency eyewash and shower; train and certify forklift operators; and ensure protective equipment, such as gloves, are used when working with hazardous chemicals. 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 15 other-than-serious violations include failing to accurately record illnesses and injuries in the OSHA logs, implement a hearing conservation program, perform a personal protective equipment assessment, identify and evaluate respiratory hazards and provide hazardous chemicals training. 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.

Amerimex Motors & Controls has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Houston South area director or contest the citations and penalties 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.

###

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.