OSHA Fines Behr For Fatal Safety Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a $497,000 citation to Behr Iron and Steel for safety violations which contributed to the death of a worker.

39-year-old Hispanic worker Alfredo Arrendondo died on March 10, 2014 after his arm became stuck on in a conveyor belt. Other workers came to his assistance but were unable to successfully remove his arm. Arrendondo was reportedly separating and running scrap metal through the conveyor when his arm was caught and subsequently pulled into the unit. He suffered multiple external and internal injuries and pronounced deceased later that day while receiving emergency medical treatment.

OSHA claims Behr Iron and Steel failed to properly evaluate the company's protocol for responding to emergency situations such as the one that occurred on March 10. There were two other major safety violations which OSHA officials believe played a role in this deadly incident, one of which is lack of a guard around the conveyor. Conveyors such as the one used at Behr Iron and Steel should be equipped with a guard to prevent workers from getting their limbs caught. This was not found at the site of the incident when investigators performed their inspection.

A second major safety violation identified was the simple fact that the shredder was not locked out when workers entered. According to reports, workers were allowed to enter the shredder while it was operational. This is strictly against OSHA's safety standards regarding lockouts and tagouts.

In addition to the citation of nearly half a million dollars, OSHA is also proposing that Behr Iron and Steel be placed under the Severe Violator Enforcement Program -- a program designed specifically for companies that fail to follow OSHA's safety standards.

"A wife and two little girls lost their husband, father, and livelihood because Behr Iron & Steel knowingly exposed this worker to highly dangerous equipment with no safeguards. For this family, the American dream is now a nightmare. Behr Iron & Steel needs to be held accountable for its history of failing to protect their workforce," said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels.

Behr Iron and Steel has 15 days after receiving the citation to issue a response. If no response if given, the company will be forced to pay a fine of $497,000.

Do you believe OSHA was justified in its citation of Behr? Let us know in the comments section below!