OSHA Fines PPG Industries More than $92K after Inspection Finds 9 Serious Safety Violations at Louisiana Facility

Inspectors from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Baton Rouge Area Office have issued citations and $92,642 in fines for nine serious and two other violations to PPG Industries' Westlake facility, after an employee complaint began an agency investigation on April 11, 2016. Inspectors found employees of the global chemical manufacturer exposed to hazards, such as corrosive materials and a leaking 30,000-gallon hot water tank. OSHA also cited the company for:

• Failing to inspect lock out/tag out procedures.
• Not inspecting safety relief valves.
• Allowing the use of deteriorated stair rails.
• Lacking a hazard assessment for confined space entry.

The agency also identified two other violations for not illuminating exit signs and not having a protective cover on a junction box to prevent electric shock.

Visit OSHA.gov to learn more.