The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Sneed Shipbuilding for alleged safety violations at its Market Street facility in Channelview, Texas. Employees there were allegedly exposed to electrical and other safety hazards, prompting citations for serious, repeat and other-than-serious violations.
"Welders were using damaged welding leads, and the company failed to repair damaged electrical junction boxes," said David Doucet, director of OSHA's Houston North Area Office. "Electrical hazards like these can cause electrocution."
OSHAs investigation of Sneed Shipbuilding began in April, where the agency said it discovered structural deficiencies on one of the crawler cranes, as well as electrical hazards throughout the shipyard. As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued 19 serious citations, including for failing to provide employees with fall protection, covers over open manholes and fire extinguishers in areas where flammable paints and solvents are in use.
Sneed also received a repeat violation for failing to provide employees who operate crawler cranes with load rating charts. Two less serious citations also were issued.
Proposed penalties for the violations total $59,300.
The company has 15 days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, contest the findings or meet with an area OSHA director.
