In a startling revelation, a federal workplace inspection at Outdoor Furniture Refinishing Inc., operating as Allied Powder Coating, has uncovered a series of grave safety hazards that put workers' health at significant risk. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified 44 violations, including 39 serious ones, following an investigation initiated in December 2023.

Significant Health Risks Identified

The inspection revealed that employees at the Houston-based metal refinisher were exposed to dangerous substances such as triglycidyl isocyanurate, arsenic, cadmium, beryllium, and lead. These hazardous materials have been linked to severe health issues, including birth defects, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and various forms of cancer.

OSHA's Findings and Violations

OSHA's investigation found that Outdoor Furniture Refinishing Inc. failed to implement essential safety measures, such as necessary engineering controls and adequate respiratory protection. The violations also included inadequate noise protection measures, insufficient maintenance of spray booths, and improper handling and disposal of hazardous dust and chemicals. Specific failures included:

- Inadequate protection from inhalation hazards in powder-coating operations.

- Lack of proper engineering controls for noise and absence of a comprehensive hearing conservation program.

- Failure to provide and ensure the proper use of respirators.

- Insufficient facilities like changing rooms and showers for employees exposed to toxic substances.

- Poor maintenance of electrical equipment.

- Inadequate measures to prevent dust overexposure and safe removal of hazardous materials from clothing.

- Lack of a hazard communication program and regulated areas for handling toxic substances.

Additionally, five other violations were cited for not evaluating and certifying forklift operators and failing to ensure accessible fire extinguishers. The company now faces $338,094 in proposed penalties.

Health Hazards of Exposure

Exposure to the unsafe levels of chemicals identified in this inspection poses significant health risks. Triglycidyl isocyanurate, for instance, can cause birth defects, while arsenic is a known carcinogen associated with skin lesions. Lead exposure can lead to permanent cognitive impairment, and beryllium can cause irreversible lung damage. Chronic exposure to these substances can result in long-term health issues, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cardiovascular diseases.

Company’s Responsibilities and Response

OSHA Area Director Larissa Ipsen emphasized the legal responsibility of employers to ensure a safe work environment. "Outdoor Furniture Refinishing Inc. has a legal responsibility to ensure its employees have a safe work environment and must do better at understanding the hazards that exist in the work they do,” Ipsen stated.

Outdoor Furniture Refinishing Inc., founded in 1988, is a family-owned business offering metal refinishing services across Texas and the southeastern United States. The company has 15 business days from receipt of citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

The findings at Outdoor Furniture Refinishing Inc. highlight the critical need for strict adherence to safety protocols in the workplace. As the investigation continues, the company must take immediate steps to rectify these violations and ensure the safety and well-being of its employees. The broader community and industry peers must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing workplace safety to prevent such incidents in the future.

For more info, visit Osha.gov