Region 6 News Release: 13-2187-DAL
Nov. 19, 2013
Contact: Diana Petterson Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710 972-850-4709
Email: petterson.diana@dol.gov rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

Welspun Tubular LLC in Little Rock, Ark., cited by US Department of
Labor's OSHA for exposing workers to possible amputation hazards
Proposed fines total $77,000 for two safety and health violations

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Welspun Tubular LLC in Little Rock for two safety and health violations for exposing workers to possible amputation hazards at its Little Rock facility. The complaint inspection, which began in May, is part of OSHA's national emphasis program for amputations. The proposed penalty is $77,000.

"Establishing and training workers on safety protocols, along with implementing and enforcing those protocols, are key aspects of any safety and health program," said Carlos Reynolds, OSHA's area director in Little Rock. "To protect its workers, this company must comply with OSHA standards."

A willful violation, with a fine of $70,000, was cited for failing to use listed or labeled electrical equipment, in accordance with manufacturer instructions. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

A serious violation, with a fine of $7,000, was cited for failing to install equipment and/or controls to prevent pipes from moving and crushing workers. 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 Mumbai, India-based company is a worldwide pipe manufacturer that employs more than 20,000 workers globally, with about 244 workers at its Little Rock facility. Welspun has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with the 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 Little Rock office at 501-224-1841.

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 exist 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.