Region 6 News Release: 13-266-DAL
March 28, 2013
Contact: Diana Petterson Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710 972-850-4709
Email: petterson.diana@dol.gov rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Tricon Precast in Houston with serious
violations for exposing workers to multiple safety and health hazards

HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Tricon Precast Ltd. with 21 alleged serious violations and three other-than-serious violations following an October 2012 complaint inspection for exposing workers to struck-by, electrical, fall hazards and numerous other unsafe working conditions at the company's Henry Road facility in Houston. Proposed penalties total $109,800.

Serious violations include failing to ensure electrical equipment is properly installed; failing to prevent exposure to electrical conductors on overhead cranes; failure to provide the required fall protection for employees working at heights of 4 feet or more; failing to properly maintain forklifts and cranes and to provide seat belts on forklifts; failing to ensure backup alarm was in working order and that combustible materials were not stored in closed containers; and failure to provide an eyewash/shower station in coating operation area, medical evaluations and fit testing, ensure hands were protected by wearing gloves and to provide the required guarding for machinery with rotating parts, pulleys and belts. A serious violation is one that could cause death or serious physical harm to the employees when the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

The other-than-serious violations include failing to have a respirator protection program in place, failing to test carbon monoxide in a supply air respirator and to provide a hazardous communication program. An other-than-serious violation is one where the incident would probably not cause death or serious physical harm, but would have a direct and immediate relationship on the safety and health of employees.

"This company failed to protect its workers from possible electrocutions, falls and other safety hazards," said David Doucet, OSHA's area director at its Houston North office. "It is fortunate in this case that no one was injured."

Tricon Precast, which employees about 220 workers who specialize in the manufacture of concrete barriers and retaining walls, 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.

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/TriconPrecastLtd_673418_0328_13.pdf* and http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/TriconPrecastLtd_668199_0308_13.pdf* .

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.

* Accessibility Assistance: Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.