Region 4 News Release: 12-1014-ATL (194)
June 4, 2012
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites AZZ Galvanizing Services in
Mississippi for 22 safety and health violations; proposes $78,500 in fines

RICHLAND, Miss. – AZZ Inc., doing business as AZZ Galvanizing Services in Richland, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 22 safety and health violations following an inspection that began in December 2011 after OSHA received a complaint alleging hazards.

Seventeen serious safety and health violations include failing to conduct inspections of lockout/tagout procedures; protect workers from trip and fall hazards; ensure the use of seatbelts while operating a powered industrial truck; provide adequate signage for permit-required confined spaces; mark the maximum load capacity for cranes; protect employees from live electrical parts and hot surfaces; and provide a hearing conservation program. Additional violations involve damaged and unmarked hook lifting devices, a defective powered industrial truck, an emergency eye wash station with pressure exceeding the maximum allowable pounds per square inch, flexible cords used as permanent wiring and unapproved electrical cords in wet locations. 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. Proposed penalties for these citations total $78,500.

Citations carrying no monetary penalties have been issued for five other-than-serious safety and health violations, including failing to provide appropriate warning labels on hazardous chemicals, use electrical equipment properly and provide adequate exit signage, as well as allowing electrical cords to run through a hole in a ceiling, windows and doorways. 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.

"Our inspection found serious hazards that reflect management's neglect of maintenance and safety procedures," said Clyde Payne, OSHA's area director in Jackson. "Employees have the right to expect a workplace free from hazards that could endanger their lives."

AZZ Inc., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, offers corrosion protective services. 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.

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) or the agency's Jackson Area Office at 601-965-4606.

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.