OSHA cites boat manufacturer for fire, explosion and electric shock hazards

Employer name: Nautic Star LLC

Inspection site: 500 Waterway Drive, Amory, Mississippi 38821

Citations issued: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations to the employer on June 2 for 15 serious and eight other-than-serious safety and health violations.  OSHA initiated an inspection as part of the agency’s Regional Emphasis Program for Programmed Maritime Inspections.            

Investigation findings: The employer received serious violations for the following hazards:

• Failing to provide energy-control training to protect workers from machine start ups during repairs or maintenance.
• Not providing hazard communication training.
• Failing to cover 55-gallon barrels that contain flammable liquids.
• Several electrical deficiencies such as receptacles not having cover plates, extension cords without a ground prong and electrical equipment not approved areas containing flammable or combustible vapors.
• Failing to ensure paint booths and spray areas were not covered with combustible paper.

The other violations include not labeling buckets that contain paint residue and modifying electric hand trucks without manufacturer’s permission. 

Proposed penalties: $66,105

Quote: “Employers should not wait for an OSHA inspection to identify fire, explosion and electric shock hazards as well as those associated with flammable and combustible chemicals in the workplace,” said Eugene Stewart, OSHA’s area director in the Jackson Office. “Nautic Star must take immediate action to protect workers at this facility from serious injury or death.”

The citations can be viewed at:

• https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/legacy-files/newsroom/newsreleases/OSHA20161075a.pdf
• https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/legacy-files/newsroom/newsreleases/OSHA20161075b.pdf

Nautic Star is one of the top producers of bay, deck and offshore center console boats from 18 to 28 feet. The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint; or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s Jackson Area Office at 601-965-4606.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.