Region 6 News Release: 12-1784-DAL
Dec 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 Worldwide Oilfield Machine in
Houston for exposing workers to amputation and electrical hazards

HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Worldwide Oilfield Machine BOP Division Inc. in Houston with eight serious, four repeat and one other-than-serious safety violation for exposing workers to unguarded machinery and electrical hazards at the company's facility on Cunningham Road in Houston. OSHA's Houston North Area Office initiated an inspection on Oct. 24 under its national emphasis program on amputations. Proposed penalties total $71,200.

The serious safety violations include failing to provide the required machine guarding on equipment, such as band saws, mills and vertical/horizontal turret lathes, ensure machinery is securely anchored and ensure electrical cords, panels and boxes are not exposed to prevent shocks or electrocution. 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.

Repeat safety violations include failing to properly maintain abrasive wheel machines, ensure that electrical cords are provided with a device that provides strain relief and ensuring that electrical cords are continuous in length without repairs. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Similar violations were cited in June 2008.

One other-than-serious violation was cited for failing to keep electrical equipment free and clear of obstacles. 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.

"Workers operating hazardous equipment, such as band saws and vertical and horizontal lathes without proper protection, are exposed to serious injuries, including amputations," said David Doucet, OSHA's area director at its Houston North office.

Worldwide Oilfield Machine BOP Division is a division of Houston-based Worldwide Oilfield Machine Inc. Worldwide Oilfield Machine manufactures blowout preventers for the oil and gas industry. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Houston North office 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 North office at 281-591-2438 or its Houston South office at 281-286-0583.

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 292-693-7828 or TTY 292-693-7755.