Workers at a Texas manufacturing company were exposed to struck-by hazards and amputation hazards, according to OSHA, which has cited EICA Industries Inc. of Fort Worth for 17 serious violations, with proposed penalties of $46,000.

OSHA's Fort Worth Area Office began an inspection in December 2013 under the agency's Regional Emphasis Program on Fabricated Metal Products, which focuses on machinery and other serious hazards in the metal fabrication industry that can cause serious harm or death. During the five-year period from January 2006 through December 2011, Region VI investigated 46 fatal accidents at metal fabrication establishments, which resulted in 48 deaths.

Overhead cranes, lack of machine guarding pose hazards

Struck-by hazards at the Fort Worth tank parts manufacturer were associated  with rigging and moving heavy metal with overhead cranes, while amputation hazards were a failure to provide machine guarding and for failing to develop and implement lockout/tagout procedures.

The 17 serious safety violations include failing to provide required machine guarding; regularly inspect overhead cranes, hoists, hooks and slings; develop and implement lockout/tagout procedures; provide strain relief for flexible electrical cords; provide forklift training and certification; and ensure all lifting devices were inspected and rated sufficient to carry heavy materials, such as spreader bars.

Other violations

EICA Industries was also cited for three other-than-serious violations for failing to maintain the OSHA 300 log of injuries and illnesses, develop a list of chemicals in the workplace and have material safety data sheets readily available.

EICA Industries employs about 14 workers and manufactures heads or ends for pressurized tanks.