Sikeston business cited for 21 safety, health violations

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston business could face a hefty fine over workplace hazards.

Construction Trailer Specialists has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 21 safety and health violations for failing to protect workers from amputation, electrical and other dangers. OSHA has proposed penalties of $82,390 for the Sikeston-based company.

"These types of hazards can cause disabilities and even death," said Larry Davidson, OSHA's acting area director in St. Louis. "Construction Trailer Specialists has a responsibility to protect workers from known hazards in its facility. Companies that are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to employee safety and health."

OSHA issued four repeat violations involving a lack of specific lockout/tagout procedures, lack of machine guarding and failing to implement a hearing conservation program. A repeat violation exists when an employer has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the past five years. Similar violations were cited at the same facility in 2010.

Eight serious safety violations were cited for the company failing to develop procedures that would protect workers from dangerous machines, including failing to train workers in the need and use of lockout/tagout devices and to provide appropriate equipment to implement procedures. The company was cited for inadequate machine guarding, failing to secure equipment to the floor properly and using damaged slings.

Five serious health violations involved storing combustible waste in uncovered receptacles and lack of head protection for workers when lifting overhead, and damaged wiring insulation. The company was cited for failing to clean the spray booth properly, use welding screens and provide various respiratory protections, including medical evaluations, fit testing, unsanitary respirators and lack of face-to-face piece seal or valve function. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Additionally, violations were issued involving failing to conduct monthly inspections of wire ropes and crane hoists and a lack of voltage markings on various pieces of equipment.

On Monday, Construction Trailer Specialists had 15 business days from receipt of its citations and notice of proposed penalties to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. If the company does not file or contest within that period, it must abate the cited conditions within the period ordered in the citations and pay the proposed penalties.

The Standard Democrat attempted to obtain a comment from Construction Trailer Specialists on Tuesday, but messages were not returned.