U.S. Department of Labor Cites Railcar Maintenance Company for Repeatedly Exposing Employees to Fire and Explosion Hazards

HOCKLEY, TX – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited GBW Railcar Services – a railcar repair, refurbishment, and maintenance company – for repeated and serious safety and health violations at its facility in Hockley, Texas. The company faces $265,147 in proposed penalties.

OSHA inspected the facility in response to a complaint, and cited the company for failing to protect workers from combustible dust, confined space, and respiratory hazards. Two contractors suffered fatal injuries, and another sustained serious injuries in a combustible dust explosion at this facility in 2012. The repeated violations cited in the current inspection are based on hazardous conditions identified in the 2012 investigation.

"This employer failed to monitor their facility to ensure workplace health and safety procedures were adequate and effective," said OSHA Houston Area Office Director Joann J. Figueroa. "When combustible dust is not properly controlled, the results can be devastating."

GBW Railcar Services has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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 help 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.