Federal investigation says SA wire company could have prevented fatal employee injury

SAN ANTONIO – An OSHA investigation printed {that a} San Antonio wire company could have prevented the dying of considered one of its staff, in step with a press unlock.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation into WMC San Antonio LLC started in February 2023 after a deceased employee fell off a forklift whilst shifting bundles of flat-bed trailers.

During the investigation, OSHA realized that the company allowed its staff to trip atop an unsecured, site-made forklift attachment to transport wire mesh bundles on the plant.

OSHA issued WMC a willful quotation for failing to offer fall coverage for workers operating at heights as much as 13 ft.

The company additionally gained a 2nd quotation for exposing staff to fall and struck-by hazards via letting them trip on unsuitable and unsecured forklift attachments.

OSHA proposed $299,339 in consequences for its violations. They have 15 trade days from receipt of the quotation and consequences to conform, request a casual convention with OSHA’s space director, or contest the findings.

“WMC San Antonio ignored the well-documented dangers of using unauthorized forklift attachments and an employee’s family, friends and co-workers are left to grieve their loss,” mentioned OSHA Area Director Alex Porter in San Antonio, Texas. “This company publicly claims that employee safety and well-being is a priority but then unnecessarily exposed workers to serious dangers. In this case, actions would have meant much more than words.”

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