Worker reports respiratory inflammation after welding in rail car
A worker at Watco Investments LLC reported suffering from respiratory inflammation after performing welding work inside a rail car in Omaha. OSHA has cited the company, operating as Watco Companies Inc., for three repeat and three serious safety violations, many involving OSHA'sconfined space safety regulations. OSHA has proposed fines of $133,900 for the company, which specializes in rail car repairs.
OSHA initiated the March 27, 2014, inspection after receiving a report of the illness from the Nebraska Department of Labor Workers' Compensation Division. OSHA has a Local Emphasis Program on Workers' Compensation* to reduce injuries and illnesses in private industry within Nebraska.