Berry Marble and Granite exposed workers to crushing hazards associated with handling granite, marble and stone at its Tyler, Texas, facility, OSHA found in a follow-up inspection. The company has received 14 citations, including two for willfully violating safety standards and two for repeated violations, with a proposed fine of $156,310.
OSHA's Dallas Area Office began the follow-up inspection in May 2014 when the company failed to provide abatement for citations issued in January 2014. With a penalty of $21,560, Berry Marble was cited for repeatedly exposing workers to crushing hazards by using lift clamps not labeled with a load rating, and for not providing training to employees responsible for de-energizing machines and equipment during maintenance. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.
"By failing to correct previously identified hazards, Berry Marble and Granite continues to put workers in harm's way, and that is unacceptable," said Stephen Boyd, OSHA's area director in Dallas. "Employers must find and fix hazards that expose workers to injuries or death. This employer has failed to do that."
The two willful violations were cited for failure to ensure slings were marked with their rated capacities and remove damaged slings from service. These violations carry a penalty of $92,400.
The inspection also cited 10 serious violations, including exposing workers to crushing hazards by not inspecting or maintaining lift clamps; failure to provide medical evaluations for workers required to wear respirators and provide a qualified person to oversee the respirator program; and failure to inspect and conduct training periodically on procedures to de-energize machinery during maintenance. Fines for these serious citations total $42,350.
To view a copy of the citations, visit http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/BerryMarbleCompanyInc_978402_1114_14.pdf
Berry Marble and Granite employs about 45 workers at its natural stone fabricating facility.
