The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined two Texas companies a total of $93,800 for exposing their workers to hazards around dangerous machinery. The employees ran the risk of electrical shock and of being struck by unguarded equipment.

Spradling Drilling of Borger failed to adequately guard rotating machinery at a drilling site in Channing. Electrical wiring was improperly repaired and uncovered, and workers were exposed to fall hazards on stairwells that were missing handrails and metal stair treading. OSHA also cited Spradling for health violations for not providing emergency showers or training to employees who were exposed to hydrogen sulfide and sodium carbonate. Spradling was fined $46,200.

"The employer is endangering employees by not eliminating safety and health hazards at its drilling rig site, exposing workers to potential injuries or even death," said OSHA's Lubbock area director, Elizabeth Linda Routh. "Oil and gas operators have access to OSHA's many tools and resources to help them stay in compliance and protect employees from hazardous conditions."

OSHA also fined TST Inc., an aluminum processing company in Sweetwater, $47,600 for failing to guard or secure chains and sprockets, compressed gas cylinders, electrical circuits and grinders, and for not repairing damaged welding cables. The Lubbock office inspected TST as part of its Site-Specific Targeting Program for industries with high injury rates.

Behavior based safety programs reduce the risk of worksite injuries. Both supervisors and workers need to know how to identify potential hazards and take adequate measures to avoid dangerous situations.