OSHA has cited Houston-based Piping Technology and Products Inc. for four repeat and three serious violations after a worker was injured in June from being struck by a broken die piece on a mechanical press. Proposed penalties total $199,800.

Similar violations in 2011

The repeat violations, with a penalty of $185,500, were cited for failing to guard punch presses and band saws, provide lockout/tagout training regarding energized sources and conduct an annual review of lockout/tagout procedures. The company was previously cited for similar violations in 2011.

The serious violations, with a penalty of $14,300, were cited for failing to secure a fuel gas cylinder, use undamaged slings for lifting and moving equipment and provide strain relief for electrical wiring.

Citations being contested

Piping Technology employs about 700 workers and manufactures pipe supports, clamps and expansion joints for chemical and oil refineries. Twice inspected in 2011, the company was cited for 42 safety and health violations, including failing to guard the point of operations on band saws, shears and press brakes. The company already has been inspected three times in 2013, independent of the current case, and cited for willful and two serious violations including failing to provide machine guarding on two separate occasions and provide abatement documentation. All 2013 citations have been contested while the 2011 cases are settled.

“Piping Technology and Products has again failed to protect its workers from hazards, and again a worker has been injured on the job. OSHA will not tolerate such disregard for workers' safety,” said Mark Briggs, OSHA's Houston South area director.

Copies of the citations can be viewed at www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/PTP_Citations_2013-912755.pdf

For more information on lockout/tagout, go to www.osha.gov/dts/osta/lototraining/index.html and for information on machine guarding, go to www.osha.gov/SLTC/machineguarding/index.html.