Pueblo steel mill cited for 11 OSHA violations

The U.S. Department of Labor says Evraz has received 11 citations for OSHA violations at its mill in the 1600 block of E. Abriendo Avenue in Pueblo.

One repeat citation was issued for not making repairs to overhead cranes promptly to ensure safe operations. Evraz was cited for the same or a similar violation in September 2013 at its facility in Claymont, Delaware.

The ten serious citations were issued because Evraz failed to meet the following requirements, according to the Labor Department:

Provide standard guardrails on open-sided floors and platforms 4 feet or more above a lower level.
Keep portable fire extinguishers in their designated location when not in use. Provide bumper stops to stop rail cars from potentially rolling in a crosswalk or vehicular traffic. Fasten fixed ladders securely on overhead cranes. Ensure to fasten guards on overhead cranes’ moving equipment securely in their designed place. Properly inspect the operation of overhead cranes.
Inspect overhead cranes periodically. Ensure a properly sized safety latch on a link chain nest-hook. Clearly mark the functions on the pendent controller used to operate overhead cranes.
Prohibit use of overhead cranes for side pulls.
Put guards on sprocket wheels and chains.

OSHA proposes fining Evraz $103,820 for the violations.

“Evraz needs involve their workers in identifying and correcting hazardous conditions to ensure more effective safety and health management systems,” said David Nelson, OSHA’s Area Director in Englewood, Colorado. “Evraz needs to fix these hazards before someone is injured or worse,” he said.