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Truck bed maker cited for workplace safety violations

Posted On: Jan. 17, 2017 10:36 AM CST

An Oklahoma truck bed fabricator has been cited by federal workplace safety regulators and is facing $535,411 in proposed fines.

U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors found 20 serious violations, one willful and three repeat violations at the Medill, Oklahoma, facility of BigTex Trailer Manufacturing Inc., which does business as CM Truck Beds, after investigating a complaint of unsafe working conditions in July 2016, the agency said Friday in a statement. 

OSHA issued a willful violation after inspectors found workers operating hydraulic press brakes without machine guards in place. The agency also identified 20 serious violations such as failing to ensure the safe use of a spray painting booth and prevent overexposure, failing to properly store compressed gas tanks or label chemicals, and failing to have a hazardous energy control program in place and to train workers in its procedures. 

"CM Truck Beds has created an environment where workers may be seriously injured or killed as the scope of these violations clearly shows," David Bates, OSHA area director in Oklahoma City, said in the statement. "We will not allow this company to continue to disregard worker safety."

A company spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.