September 20, 2016
By:
Walter G. Wright
Category:
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
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The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a September 8th news release stating that the agency issued citations to TimkenSteel Corporation (“TS”).
TS is stated to be a steel mill located in Canton, Ohio.
OSHA alleges that it responded on March 20, 2016 to a report that a worker was found dead in the steel mill’s elevator control room while performing monthly fire extinguisher checks. The agency alleges that its investigation determined nitrogen leaked into the control room resulting in an oxygen deficient atmosphere causing the worker’s death.
OSHA cited TS for allegedly failing to:
- Protect workers from potentially hazardous atmospheres created by the introduction of nitrogen into the ventilation system.
- Train workers using pneumatic tools powered by nitrogen on the hazards, effects and how to detect nitrogen leakage.
OSHA also allegedly determined additional violations which include:
- Exposed workers to fall hazards of up to 20 feet while performing maintenance in the rolling mill.
- Failed to install guardrails on walkways.
OSHA proposes to assess penalties of $113,131.
A copy of the news release can be downloaded here.
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