News Release
Federal investigation into workplace fatality finds Tulsa metal fabrication company exposed employees to dozens of safety, health hazards
TULSA, OK – Three federal workplace safety and health investigations that followed the April 2023 death of a worker at a Tulsa manufacturing facility found the company exposed employees to struck-by hazards and identified 36 violations, including 25 serious safety violations of U.S. Department of Labor regulations.
Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened the initial investigation in response to the fatality at Accurate Manufacturing Inc. The agency then opened comprehensive safety and health investigations under an existing Regional Emphasis Program focused on safety and health hazards commonly faced by workers in the fabricated metal products industry.
In its initial inspection, OSHA found an employee suffered fatal injuries during pressure testing of a heat exchanger. With pressure at 2,600 psi, one of the exchangers’ plugs blew off and struck the employee. OSHA determined the company violated the general duty clause for not keeping its employees safe. Further inspections at the facility identified 25 serious safety violations related to the following hazards:
- Failing to keep exit routes free from obstruction.
- Allowing a barrel of flammable chemical to not be grounded and bonded.
- Failing to have an energy-control program or provide related training.
- Allowing the use of powered industrial trucks, slings and lifting devices that were not in safe operating condition.
- Failing to install required machine guards.
- Not ensuring electrical equipment was maintained properly and in safe operating condition.
- Failing to provide flame-proof shields or screens and protective eye wear to welders and their assistants.
In addition, OSHA’s health investigation at Accurate Manufacturing Inc. found 10 violations. The agency cited the company for its failures to do the following:
- Employ a continuing and effective hearing conservation program and maintain accurate records of employees’ exposure measurements.
- Establish and maintain an audiometric testing program and valid baseline audiogram.
- Make sure the facility’s paint spray booth met all OSHA requirements.
- Keep the space around the spray booth clear and install sprinklers.
- Provide comprehensive respiratory protection and written hazard communication programs.
The agency has proposed a combined total of $275,890 in penalties for the three inspections.
“Our investigations identified three dozen violations, most of them serious, and found hazardous conditions affecting nearly every aspect of Accurate Manufacturing’s operations,” explained OSHA Area Director Steven Kirby in Oklahoma City. “We have major concerns about the company’s lack of commitment to protecting its employees and a disregard of hazards that has contributed to an employee losing their life.”
Founded in 2000, Tulsa-based Accurate Manufacturing Inc. and its sister company Professional Fabricators Inc., established in 1997, manufacture and build steel products for various industries, including oil and gas. The companies employ about 40 workers who specialize in steel fabrication and manufacturing.
Accurate Manufacturing Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of 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.
