OSHA cites ProMaxima Manufacturing in Houston for exposing workers to amputations, other hazards

HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited ProMaxima Manufacturing Ltd. in Houston with nine serious safety violations for inadequately guarded machinery among other hazards. Proposed penalties total $47,700.

OSHA’s Houston South Area Office opened an inspection in response to a referral from the Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs about workers seen using inadequately guarded saws and grinders. ProMaxima manufactures fitness equipment for various federal agencies.

The violations include failing to properly guard machinery such as saws and grinders, provide lockout/tagout procedures for machines’ energy sources, properly store gas cylinders, keep electrical equipment free and clear of obstacles, and train and certify forklift operators. 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.

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=23295