OSHA Cites Texas Refinery for Multiple Safety Hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Pasadena Refining Services Inc. with 21 serious violations for exposing workers to multiple safety and health hazards at the company’s facility in Pasadena, Texas Proposed penalties total $115,650.

OSHA’s Houston South Area Office in Texas began its investigation on June 30 at the company’s facility on Red Bluff Road as part of the agency’s national emphasis program on process safety management of refineries.

The serious violations include failing to provide properly constructed scaffolds, provide supports to hold piping, provide controls to prevent valves from closing, conduct annual confined space audits, ensure guard rails are adequate, and ensure that operating procedures are up-to-date and accurate.

Pasadena Refining Services is an independent refinery which employs about 363 employees in Pasadena. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Houston South Area Office or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA