The U.S. Department of Labor has reached a settlement with Jindal Tubular USA LLC, a Mississippi-based steel pipe manufacturer, following an investigation into safety failures that led to the death of a 25-year-old worker in January 2024. The incident involved the collapse of 2,000-pound pipes, resulting in fatal injuries to one employee and life-altering injuries to a 20-year-old laborer.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that Jindal Tubular USA had not implemented safe practices for storing and stacking pipes. This negligence was cited as a key factor in the tragic incident. OSHA's investigation revealed three repeat violations: failing to provide machine guarding, neglecting periodic inspection or testing of electrical insulating protective gloves, and allowing slipping hazards.

Additionally, OSHA identified 26 serious violations at the facility. These included the absence of guardrails or covers at open pits to prevent falls, accumulation of combustible dust on surfaces, and failure to label exit doors properly for safe egress during emergencies.

"Jindal Tubular’s repeated failure to provide employees with a safe workplace has been truly disturbing," stated Courtney Bohannon, OSHA Area Office Director in Jackson, Mississippi. "We hope this settlement signals a new willingness to make employee safety the centerpiece of its operations."

As part of the settlement negotiated by OSHA and the Office of the Solicitor, Jindal Tubular USA will withdraw its challenge to the citations and pay $442,815 in penalties. The company is required to hire a third-party consultant within 30 days to develop a comprehensive safety program and conduct monthly audits shared with OSHA.

Furthermore, Jindal Tubular must provide safety training for all stacking yard employees and upgrade electrical wiring in areas prone to combustible dust accumulation. The company is also obligated to employ at least one dedicated safety professional per shift who has completed an OSHA safety course.

Jindal Tubular will report work-related injuries quarterly for three years and allow inspections without delay when incidents occur. Over the past five years, Jindal Tubular USA has accumulated 46 OSHA safety violations.

Employers seeking guidance on workplace safety programs can visit OSHA's website or contact them for compliance assistance resources.