Industrial accident leads to death and double leg amputation for two employees, pipe manufacturer fined $443K
An OSHA investigation has determined that Jindal Tubular USA LLC could have done more to protect an employee who suffered fatal injuries earlier this year. The company, which specializes in steel pipe manufacturing, failed to establish safe practices for storing and stacking pipes. As a result, two employees were injured when 2,000-pound pipes collapsed, leading to a 20-year-old laborer losing both legs and a 25-year-old employee losing their life.
This is not the first time the company has been cited for health and safety hazards. Over the past five years, Jindal Tubular USA has been cited for 46 OSHA safety violations.
During its most recent investigation, OSHA cited the company for three repeat violations and 26 serious violations. These violations include failing to:
- Ensure stacked pipes were stable and secure against collapse
- Provide machine guarding
- Inspect or test electrical insulating protective gloves
- Ensure guardrails or covers were in place at open pits
- Prevent the accumulation of combustible dust on surfaces
Jindal Tubular USA has entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor. As part of the agreement, the company will pay $442,815 in penalties, as well as:
- Hire a consultant to develop a comprehensive safety and health program and conduct monthly worksite audits
- Provide safety training to all stacking yard employees
Upgrade electrical wiring and components in combustible dust areas - Hire a dedicated safety and health professional
- Report work-related injuries and illnesses to OSHA on a quarterly basis for a period of three years
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Office Director Courtney Bohannon said, “Jindal Tubular’s repeated failure to provide employees with a safe workplace has been truly disturbing. We hope this settlement signals a new willingness to make employee safety the centerpiece of its operations.”
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