The U.S. Department of Labor has cited Trinity Rail Maintenance Services for violations of federal safety standards as a result of an August 2020 accident at its Hugo, Okla., facility that led to the deaths of two workers. Following an investigation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the company for 11 serious violations and two willful violations and has proposed $419,347 in penalties as a result of the Aug. 12, 2020, accident.
One worker was overcome by fumes after entering a tank car to perform cleaning; a second worker was overcome after attempting to rescue the first worker. Both were later pronounced dead at a local hospital [see “Digest: FRA report makes accessibility recommendations…,” Trains News Wire, Aug. 12, 2020].
OSHA found that the company failed to require a permit to enter the car, ventilate the space, monitor hazards in a confined space, and complete entry permits for work inside a confined space. “Work inside confined spaces is a dangerous job and federal workplace safety standards must be followed to avoid disaster,” OSHA Area Director Steven A. Kirby, in Oklahoma City, said in a press release. “As is the case here, failing to follow OSHA standards can be the difference between life and death.”
Trinity Rail Maintenance, a subsidiary of Trinity Rail, is one of the nation’s largest railcar servicing and maintenance companies with facilities in Arkansas, George, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas. The company has 15 days to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
–Updated at 6:45 p.m. to correct company name from version in OSHA release.
