U.S Department of Labor Cites Texas Rubber Company for Safety Violations

HOUSTON, TX – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Custom Rubber Products LLC – based in Houston, Texas – for failing to properly guard machinery and exposing employees to severe injury and amputation hazards. The company faces $530,392 in fines, the maximum penalty allowable by law.

OSHA cited Custom Rubber Products LLC for four egregious willful violations for machine guarding and caught-in hazards, and the company remains in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program. OSHA cited the company for similar hazards in 2014 after another employee was severely injured.

"Employers are required to assess potential hazards, and make necessary corrections to ensure a safe workplace," said OSHA's Acting Regional Administrator in Dallas Eric S. Harbin. "The inspection results demonstrate workplace deficiencies existed putting workers at serious risk of injury."

The company 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.