OSHA fines Bollinger Gretna $104K for safety violations

RP news wires, Noria Corporation

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Bollinger Gretna LLC in Gretna, La., for allegedly failing to protect employees from hazardous working conditions and proposed penalties totaling $104,000. The inspection was part of OSHA's local emphasis programs targeting shipyards.

OSHA issued citations to Bollinger Gretna, alleging two serious, two repeat and two other-than-serious violations following an investigation that began August 22 at the company's Harvey shipyard worksite. With its home office in Lockport, La., Bollinger builds and repairs barges at the shipyard and employs about 264 workers.

The company also operates 14 other facilities in southern Louisiana and one in Texas.

"The penalties imposed are an indication to the employer that disregard for employee protection is unacceptable," said Greg Honaker, OSHA's area director in Baton Rouge. "It is fortunate that no one was injured."

Serious citations were issued for failing to elevate hose and electrical conductors over or under walkways or working surfaces and failing to store oil and oil materials in closed, fire-resistant containers. A serious violation is one that could cause death or serious physical harm to employees and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

Alleged repeat violations include failing to guard a press brake and shear, and failing to conduct annual confined/enclosed rescue drills. Repeat violations are issued when an employer has previously been cited for the same or a substantially similar violation that has become a final order.

Two other-than-serious citations were issued for failing to maintain a respirator in sanitary condition and failure to maintain a written fire watch policy.

The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the Baton Rouge area director, or to contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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