How OSHA's Settlement with Jindal Tubular USA Highlights the Importance of Workplace Safety and Compliance

Introduction:

In heavy industry, being struck by objects is one of the most common hazards that employees face. A similar tragedy struck Jindal Tubular USA, where a 25-year-old worker died, and a 20-year-old laborer was deeply injured as heavy pipes collapsed in January 2024 at the facility. This tragic incident has changed the course of the lives of these workers; and it occurred due to unsafe stacking practices. Sadly, the investigation revealed many overlooked hazard patterns the This blog post will explain in detail all the safety violations at Jindal USA and the OSHA's penalties.

What Happened at the Jindal Tubular USA?

In January 2024, a tragic incident occurred at the Mississippi steel pipe manufacturer, taking the life of 1 employee. 2000-pound pipes, which were improperly stacked, collapsed and took the life of a 25-year-old worker and severely injured a 20-year-old laborer who lost both of his legs. OSHA's investigation revealed that the company did not implement proper storage and security of the pipes, putting the lives of the employees at risk. The company has also had several violations, with 46 OSHA citations in the past 5 years. OSHA Area Office Director Courtney Bohannon stated that,

It is truly devastating to see the Jindal Tubular's repeated failure to make the workplace safe for the employees. We hope that this settlement acts as a new willingness to make their workplace safer for their employees.

Regardless of the present issues, the company faces a $442,815 penalty and stringent requirements to improve safety standards within its operations.

OSHA's Legal Actions Against the Jindal Tubular USA

After the tragic incident, OSHA took strict legal action against Jindal Tubular USA in the wake of multiple safety violations. The company faces a hefty penalty of $442,815 for serious and repeat violations. OSHA cited Jindal Tubular as it failed to secure stacked pipes against the collapse, which is the primary cause of the incident. The company was also found negligent in addressing machine guarding, fall protection, electrical safety, and combustible dust accumulation. Over several years, this pattern of negligence continued, which led OSHA to impose financial penalties and require Jindal Tubular to make major changes to its safety practices.

The company is willing to hire a third-party consultant, as part of a legal settlement, to develop and implement a detailed safety program, perform regular audits, and give safety training to its employees. All these legal actions make it evident that workplaces will face serious legal and financial repercussions if they don't prioritize workplace safety.

How to Prevent Struck-By Object Hazards at the Workplace?

In construction and manufacturing industries, struck-by object hazards are the leading cause of workplace injuries. These accidents happen when heavy objects, such as tools, machinery, and large materials like pipes, roll, fall, and are projected toward workers, killing the workers instantly or causing severe injuries. After falls, being struck by objects is the second major cause of workplace fatalities, killing almost 100 people annually in the USA. The National Safety Council also reports that nearly 10% of workplace injuries are caused by objects striking workers.

To make the workplace free from such risks, employers should implement the following safety measures:

1. Securing materials properly.
2. Using safety barriers.
3. Training workers to safely work around heavy and unstable objects.
4. Regular safety audits in the workplace.
5. Maintaining the equipment properly.
6. Having a clear communication plan to reduce risks and prevent these types of accidents.

Addressing Common Workplace Safety Hazards

Workplace safety protocols and employee training are necessary to protect employees from preventable hazards and injuries. Most workplace hazards can cause severe accidents and even fatalities if not addressed. We are highlighting some common safety violations at the workplaces and how employers can diminish these risks to make the environment safe and secure:

1. Inadequate Machine Guarding at the Workplace

Machines with moving parts, sharp edges, and machinery components require machine guarding to protect workers from injuries. That is why OHSA mandates installing proper guards to cut down the risk of amputations and crushing injuries. As the stats highlight, adequate machine guarding is the cause of almost 18,000 amputations per year in the U.S. Machines should have proper guards installed around them when they are not working. If you want to learn more about the incidents caused by poor machine guarding at the workplace, read our detailed blog here.

2. Using Faulty Electrical Insulating Protective Gloves

Electrical insulating gloves are a must to save the workers from electrical hazards. They protect the workers from the shocks and burns caused by working with energized equipment. As more than 1000 U.S. workers get injured by electrical hazards annually, proper PPE is emphasized while handling electricity. Using proper PPE, such as electrical insulating gloves and other preventive measures, can make the workplace more electrical hazard-free. Enroll in our NFPA 70E Electrical training to learn how to save yourself from electrical hazards at the workplace. We offer online, onsite, virtual-instructor-led, and SCORM packages to further facilitate you, so register today and get certified.

Failure to Prevent Slipping Hazards

Slips, trips, and falls are neglected workplace hazards that cause over 20% of workplace injuries. The major contributors to the slips and trips are wet floors, cluttered areas, and uneven surfaces. Keeping the workplaces dry and clean. The use of slip-resistant flooring and signage are some of the recommendations by OSHA to make workplace slips and trips free.

Failure to Provide Guardrails or Covers at Open Pits

Open pits and unguarded holes are the root cause of fall hazards at the workplace. In the construction industry alone, unprotected holes are the cause of 200 fatalities each year, underlining the need for proper safeguarding. In construction projects, holes are found, including roof ducts/drains, skylights, unfinished stairs or missing steps, maintenance holes, and unsupported walkways. All these types of holes require personal attention and safety measures to prevent Falling through them.

Combustible Dust Accumulation on the Surfaces

Combustible dust piling up can cause a huge, deadly explosion in the indoor facility. So, regular cleaning and proper ventilation are required in dust production facilities to avert dust buildup. Dust explosions have caused 100 deaths in the past decade, making dust management a must in the respective industries.

Failure to Label Exit Doors for Safe Egress in the Event of a Fire

During emergencies, clear exit signage is crucial to ensure safe evacuation. In incidents such as fires at the workplace, blocked exits are the biggest cause of death, making the need for proper labeling and emergency preparedness even more important. We have a detailed blog on the need for fire safety training for the employees at the workplace. We are helping workplaces become fire-proof by offering OSHA fire safety training to their employees. Enroll today and learn according to your preferred learning format, including SCORM, online, onsite, and virtual instructor-led training.

In every workplace, all these types of hazards lurk and cause incidents daily. Giving employees proper training, conducting regular drills, and sticking to compliance regulations are simple ways by which we can drastically reduce the likelihood of incidents caused by such hazards.

Conclusion

More than a rule, workplace safety is a responsibility. All the hazards mentioned above are injurious but also preventable. With clear communication, proper training, and advanced PPE, any workplace can become a more productive environment for everyone. Making workplace safety a priority can protect a business and save its future. Always keep in mind that a safe workplace is a thriving workplace.

References:

OSHA, November 22, 2024, Department of Labor reaches settlement with Mississippi pipe manufacturer to correct safety failures that led to 25-year-old worker's fatal injuries, https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/birmingham/20241122

National Safety Council, Struck by Objects, https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/struck-by-objects