Pipeline Pig Maker Gets 19 Citations
Methylene chloride exposures, impalement and amputation dangers, and other alleged hazards have racked up $58,100 in fines against a Texas-based maker of pipeline cleaning pigs.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Pigs Unlimited International Inc., of Tomball, TX, a foam and polyurethane pig manufacturer, for 19 safety violations involving a variety of worker hazards.
The citations were issued Thursday (Nov. 14) based on findings from a July inspection that was prompted by a complaint.
In addition to manufacturing, Pigs Unlimited provides pipeline cleaning, pig tracking, pigging consultation, training, inspection, field supervision and other services.
'Range of Hazards'
“This employer failed to protect its workers from a range of hazards, from potential amputation to chemical exposures and other safety hazards,” said David Doucet, director of OSHA’s Houston North Area Office. “The lack of preventive measures must be addressed and corrected to provide a safe working environment.”
The citations involve 15 serious and four other-than-serious citations. Serious citations reflect life-threatening hazards that the employer knew, or should have known, about.
The 15 serious safety violations allege failure to:
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In addition to manufacturing, Pigs Unlimited International offers pig tracking and other pipeline services. |
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Other-than-serious violations allege, among other things, electrical violations, training lapses and lack of a written hazard communication program.
The company did not respond Monday (Nov. 18) to a request for comment on the case. OSHA records show no other inspections or violations for the company in the past 10 years.
