16.01.2009

OSHA cites Deep South

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued three citations, including six serious, one repeat, and one "other-than-serious" violation against Deep South Crane and Rigging following an investigation into the collapse of the company’s 2,500 tonne, VersaCrane TC36000 at the LyondellBasell refinery in July 2008. Click here to see original report and photos The crane’s boom killed four of the company’s employees, while seven other people were injured.

Mark Briggs, OSHA's area director for its Houston South Area Office, said: "Not only was the crane operator inadequately trained but the project superintendent did not ensure the crane did not reach hazardous conditions. If OSHA's regulations and industry standards had been followed, it is possible this tragedy could have been prevented."

Speaking for Deep South Margaret Landry said:"This was a very tragic event, and despite our initial concerns about OSHA's findings, we are committed to doing all that we can to learn from the event and ensure it never happens again".

The OSHA citations include six serious violations — issued when there is a strong probability that death or serious injury could result, and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard. Those violations include failing to ensure that load charts were secured in the cab and that controls were properly labelled.

OSHA also charged Deep South with failing to provide adequate training and ensure that the crane operator was qualified to operate the crane.

The violations carry $71,500 in penalties. The company has 15 working days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.