The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Thursday announced that it cited an Oklahoma metal fabrication manufacturer after a worker died in April during pressure testing of a heat exchanger.
OSHA cited Tulsa-based Accurate Manufacturing Inc. following three separate workplace safety and health investigations after the fatality that identified 36 violations, including 25 serious safety violations.
The company, which manufactures steel products for various industries, faces $275,890 in proposed penalties.
The employee who died was struck by one of the heat exchanger’s plugs while testing the device.
OSHA said the company failed to provide flame-proof shields or screens and protective eyewear to welders and assistants, failed to install required machine guards, failed to have in place an energy-control program or provide related training, and failed to ensure electrical equipment was properly maintained.
OSHA said it also discovered 10 additional health-related violations in addition to the safety violations.
The three health and safety investigations were opened as part of OSHA’s Regional Emphasis Program that focuses on hazards faced in the fabricated metal products industry.
The company has 15 business days to contest the citation and proposed penalties.