U.S. Department of Labor Cites Texas Metal Recycling Company After Employee Suffers Injury

DALLAS, TX – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Venture Metals LLC – based in Dallas, Texas – for exposing employees to crushing hazards after a stack of pipes fell and crushed a worker, leading to his hospitalization. The company faces penalties of $311,580 for repeated and serious safety and health violations.

OSHA conducted an inspection, and determined that the company also failed to implement measures to control lead exposure, train workers in lockout/tagout procedures, and follow confined space entry permit procedures. OSHA cited the company for similar violations in 2016.

"This employer has continued to disregard requirements to assess workplace hazards and implement measures to protect workers' safety and health," said OSHA Dallas Area Office Director Basil Singh.

Venture Metals 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. Read the citations for violations related to lead, respiratory, and noise hazards; machine guarding; lock out tag out, confined space; and failure to report hospitalization.

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.