OSHA Inspection: TMS INTERNATIONAL, LLC

Issued

Nov 3, 2023

Abate by

Dec 26, 2023

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $12,500 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8330

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that employees were not protected from the hazard of high heat while performing jobs duties:   (a) On or about May 6, 2023 at TMS International LLC, located at 2100 Jack Warner Parkway NE, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 - employees were exposed to the hazard of high heat from oxy-fuel torch cutting operations while working outside in direct sun, during the performance of their job duties including cutting and lancing of scrap metal plates for approximately 12-hour shifts. Employees performing moderate manual labor and wearing double layered clothing were exposed to temperatures of approximately 79 degrees F (26.1 degrees C) with average relative humidity levels of approximately 62%. The calculated Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT) between 5:53am and 1:53pm ranged from approximately 61 -83 degrees Fahrenheit with a Heat Index up to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. An employee assigned to perform metal scrap oxy-fuel torch cutting, experienced adverse health effects such as, but not limited to, heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, and acute kidney injury, from potential exposure to the hot work environment. As a result of the exposure, the employee was hospitalized and provided medical treatment at a local hospital.