OSHA cites NW Pipe for health and safety violations

OSHA cites NW Pipe for health and safety violations

Oregon welded steel pipe manufacturer Northwest Pipe Company has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for exposing employees to hazardous work conditions. OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $197’500 for 53 serious safety and health violations following a January 15 inspection at the company’s Houston plant. Some of the more serious violations include inadequate machine guarding and maintenance; unsafely stored steel coils; electrical violations such as damaged cords and breakers installed in damp locations; and insufficient health and safety training for employees. OSHA’s Houston area director, John Lawson, said, “OSHA's standards are designed to protect employees from workplace hazards, but many were not followed by Northwest Pipe.” Northwest Pipe employs 1’200 employees in the US, 105 of which work at the Houston plant.