A federal workplace safety investigation has revealed that an employee at Hailiang Copper Texas Inc. in Sealy, Texas, suffered severe injuries while attempting to clear debris during the manufacturing of copper alloy products. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determined that the plant operator failed to install necessary machine guards or locking devices, which exposed workers to hazardous contact with moving machine parts.
In March 2024, an employee at Hailiang Copper Texas Inc. sustained serious injuries resulting in a partial arm amputation. The incident occurred when the worker’s right hand was caught between a conveyor belt and a rack holding 15 one-ton copper coils while trying to remove debris.
“Insufficient machine guarding is a frequent issue in the manufacturing industry, leading to numerous serious and life-altering injuries,” said OSHA Area Director Monica Camacho in Austin, Texas. “Powered industrial machinery can be extremely hazardous when employers neglect to implement proper energy control procedures and fail to equip machines with adequate machine safety guards to protect workers. Beyond implementing safety controls, companies must address language barriers and ensure that communication and training are provided in languages all employees can understand and apply effectively.”
Following the investigation, OSHA issued citations for 24 serious safety and health violations and proposed penalties amounting to $253,750.
Apart from lacking required machine guards, inspectors found additional issues including the company's failure to develop energy control procedures, mark tags or slings on cranes properly, provide a written hazard communications program, supply respirators, and address potential indoor heat illness hazards for workers wearing thermal-resistant aluminized heat reflective suits.
Hailiang Copper Texas Inc., a subsidiary of China Hailiang Group based in Zhejiang province, China, is one of the world’s largest producers of copper and copper alloy products. The company employs over 20,000 workers across more than 80 subordinate enterprises worldwide.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply with OSHA’s directives, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
###
