Houston Powder Coating Company Faces More Than $300,000 in Penalties for Exposing Workers to Serious Safety Hazards

HOUSTON – A federal inspection at a Houston metal finishing plant has found more than 40 safety hazards that could lead to serious health problems, including birth defects, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began investigating Outdoor Furniture Refinishing Inc., also known as Allied Powder Coating, in December 2023.

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Inspectors found 39 serious violations and five other violations, including failure to take required safety precautions when exposed to hazardous substances such as triglycidyl isocyanurate, arsenic, cadmium, beryllium and lead.

Violations included inadequate protection against inhalation hazards, lack of engineering controls against noise, lack of appropriate respirators and insufficient measures for handling hazardous substances. In addition, the company failed to properly maintain electrical equipment or establish regulated areas for hazardous chemicals.

The company faces $338,094 in penalties and has 15 business days to comply or contest the findings. The inspection highlights critical health risks posed by dangerous exposure to toxic chemicals, underscoring the need for strict workplace safety measures.

“Outdoor Furniture Refinishing Inc. has a legal responsibility to provide its employees with a safe work environment and must better understand the hazards that exist in their jobs,” OSHA Regional Director Larissa Ipsen said in a news release. “Employers are required to be aware of all hazards in their workplace and to develop procedures, provide safety equipment and train employees to ensure workers are protected from immediate and long-term hazards.”