A serious injury on the job has led to fines for one California business.
Cal/OSHA recently cited industrial service provider Shar-Craft Inc. following an investigation of a flash fire inside a metal tank that resulted in serious burns to an industrial painter.
Cal/OSHA cited the employer for knowingly using an unauthorized electric lamp while the painter was working in an explosive atmosphere, for not having a permit to work in a confined space and for not having the proper ventilation or protective equipment for such a hazardous space, among other violations. Total proposed penalties are $82,090.
On Dec. 17, 2013, the worker was spraying a flammable coating on the inside walls of a large steel tank when a fire was ignited by a portable halogen light. The 37-year-old Shafter man was rescued but spent three days in the Burn Unit of the San Joaquin Community Hospital.
Accident Was ‘Preventable’
“This was a preventable accident,” said Christine Baker, director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). “The employer was aware that working inside the confined space was dangerous but did not take the required steps to avoid putting workers at serious risk.” The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA, is a division of DIR.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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