Texas Shipbuilder Fined $59K for Alleged Safety/Health Hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Sneed Shipbuilding Inc. for alleged serious, repeat and other-than-serious violations for exposing employees to electrical and other safety hazards at the company’s facility in Channelview, Texas. Proposed penalties total $59,300.

OSHA’s Houston North Area Office began an investigation on April 27, finding structural deficiencies on one of the crawler cranes Sneed Shipbuilding maintained and operated, as well as electrical hazards throughout the shipyard.

OSHA issued 19 serious citations, including failing to provide employees with fall protection, guards on grinders, covers over open manholes in decks, and fire extinguishers in areas where flammable paint and solvents are used.

A repeat violation has been issued for failing to provide employees operating crawler cranes with load rating charts.

Two other-than-serious citations have been issued for failing to properly complete the required Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses form, and to maintain a written respiratory protection program for employees exposed to inhalation hazards.

The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Houston North area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA