OSHA Fines Barge Builder $305K for Repeat Violations

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited a Port Neches, Texas, barge builder with 16 serious, repeat and failure-to-abate violations for continuing to expose workers to safety hazards, including dangerous machinery, high noise levels without appropriate hearing protection and falls from heights above 6 feet. Proposed penalties total $305,100. OSHA had originally cited Sterling Shipyard LP in October 2013 for 13 serious safety and health violations with a fine of $62,550. When Sterling did not respond to the citations, a follow-up inspection was conducted in January 2014 t...