Two employees at a Hockley, Texas work site were cutting metal with a torch when a combustible dust flash fire ignited killing both men.
Over 22 serious violations were leveled against 3 companies along with financial penalties proposed against the companies that totaled over $100,000. This does not include any possible civil law suits that may be brought by surviving family members.
OSHA violations include ensuring that cutting operations are halted in the presence of combustible dust, failing to adequately control emissions of combustible dust, just to name a few of the 22 violations.
One of the companies was also cited with seven serious violations for failing to develop and implement a respiratory program; provide training on the hazards of working with combustible dust; ensure cutting operations are halted in the presence of combustible dust; ensure the use of a body belt when working in an aerial lift; and ensure aerial lift loads do not exceed required limits.
Per OSHA, “A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.” Proposed penalties total $20,240.
OSHA also cited a second company with 14 serious violations, including failing to adequately control fugitive emissions of combustible dust; keep work areas clean of combustible dust; provide warning signs to alert employees of combustible dust hazards; and keep emergency cylinder respirators fully charged. Additionally, confined space violations were found, including failing to identify and evaluate confined space hazards and develop and implement confined space procedures. OSHA also cited the company with two other-than-serious violations for failing to certify the use of emergency respirators and document filter changes. Proposed penalties total $91,300.
A third company, Conroe, Texas-based JP Electric, which assisted in demolition activities, was cited with one serious safety violation for failing to prohibit cutting operations in the presence of combustible dust. Proposed penalties total $2,800.
“This incident underscores the seriousness of exposing workers to the inadequate control of combustible dust,” said David Doucet, OSHA’s area director at its Houston North office. “Following OSHA standards helps to save lives and avoid such needless tragedy.”
