OSHA Identifies 44 Safety Violations at Houston Metal Refinishing – Workplace Health & Safety

OSHA Identifies 44 Safety Violations at Houston Metal Refinishing

Allied Powder Coating faces a total of $338,094 in proposed penalties.

• By Robert Yaniz Jr.
• July 2, 2024

Following a recent investigation, OSHA found 44 safety violations at Outdoor Furniture Refinishing Inc., doing business as Allied Powder Coating in Houston. As a result, the agency proposed penalties totaling $338,094, citing numerous health risks to its workers.

According to a recent release, OSHA inspectors identified 39 serious and five non-serious violations at Outdoor Furniture Refinishing in December 2023. The company failed to implement necessary engineering controls and respiratory protection against exposure to hazardous substances such as triglycidyl isocyanurate, arsenic, cadmium, beryllium and lead.

Key violations included failure to protect powder coating operations employees from inhalation hazards, lack of effective hearing protection programs, inadequate maintenance of spray booths, and improper use of respirators. The company also failed to provide adequate locker rooms and showers for workers exposed to harmful substances, and failed to maintain critical electrical equipment or ensure proper dust exposure protocols.

The five non-serious violations involved inadequate assessment and certification of forklift drivers and lack of accessible fire extinguishers.

“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 the work they do,” Larissa Ipsen, OSHA’s South Houston regional director, said in a statement. “Employers are responsible for knowing all hazards in their workplace and … ensuring that workers are protected from both immediate and long-term hazards.”

Outdoor Furniture Refinishing Inc. now has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.