OSHA investigators found on March 17, T & T Pipeline Co. Inc. employees were replacing a drill bit on a horizontal drilling machine when the pipe stem began to rotate and then it fatally struck the employee.
OSHA cited the employer with a willful violation for exposing employees to struck-by hazards when working on a horizontal directional drilling machine and proposed $165,514 in penalties.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Click here for OSHA’s website to gain information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.
