Mauston tanker plant fined $7,325 by OSHA

Madison OSHA has assessed $7,325 in penalties against a bulk tanker trailer maker after a recent safety inspection of its Mauston plant, according to recently released documents.

OSHA issued citations for eight items inspectors found that could cause death or physical harm, after visits to the Bar-Bel Fabricating Co. plant between Dec. 8 and Jan. 13.

OSHA assessed a $1,110 fine for exposing employees to a fall of 10 feet while working on top of tank trucks. OSHA requires guardrails around platforms four feet or more above ground level.

Fines assessed for other serious violations included improper storage of flammable liquids, failure to remove debris from paint spraying areas and welders not wearing rescue equipment while working inside tanks.

OSHA obtained an inspection warrant for the plant after company executives refused to let them enter, according to a document filed in Federal Court. The inspection was conducted under the agency's program to inspect the 200 industrial companies with the highest average accident rates per employee in the state.

In a prepared statement, Bar- Bel plant manager Jerry Cabezal said the OSHA inspection "was most beneficial" and the company "implemented OSHA's recommendations at once." OSHA and Bar-Bel officials held an informal conference Tuesday to begin resolving the violations and penalties, an OSHA spokesman said.

Bar-Bel employs 160 at the Mauston plant, Cabezal said.

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