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A major U.S. provider of building materials and construction services is facing serious federal safety citations and $41,000 in fines for alleged hazards at its work site in New Braunfels, TX.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has accused BMC Building Materials and Construction Services Inc. of seven serious violations for allegedly exposing workers to electrical and machine guarding hazards.
A complaint about unsafe working conditions triggered OSHA's inspection of the facility Oct. 3. There, inspectors found workers building prefabricated wood trusses without the required machine guarding, OSHA said.
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Photos: BMC |
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Boise, ID-based BMC (Building Materials and Construction Services Inc.) specializes in light commercial and multi-family construction projects.
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BMC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Amputation Dangers
"The lack of machine guarding can lead to serious injuries, including amputations,” said Casey Perkins, OSHA’s area director in Austin. “OSHA’s standards must be followed to prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses.”
The serious violations include alleged failure to:
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Provide machine guarding while operating saws;
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Ensure that rotating shafts on machines are covered;
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Ensure that electrical wiring is protected; and
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Ensure electrical cords are maintained in safe condition.
A serious violation reflects substantial probability of death or serious injury from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known
About the Company
Headquartered in Boise, ID, BMC provides materials and construction services to builders in 14 markets across nine states. The company has nearly 4,500 employees across 88 business units.
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BMC has acquired several building materials companiesand related enterprises since it was founded in 1987. The company went through restructuring in 2008-10.
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BMC West was established in 1987 with the acquisition of 20 building materials centers from Boise Cascade Corporation.
The company went on to acquire eight Diamond Building Centers; Economy Lumber Company of Colorado; Stripling-Blake Lumber Co. of Austin, TX; Lone Star Plywood & Door Co.; Oregon Sash & Door; Hillsdale Sash & Door Company; Intermountain Lumber Company in Montana; and KBI framing company in Phoenix, AZ. The company also acquired several construction services companies, including Sanburn Construction (KBI Norcal) in California.
In 2009, hammered by the U.S housing slump, Building Materials Holding Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure. In 2010, it emerged as a privately held concern and had merged its merge its two divisions, BMC West and SelectBuild.
BMC has been cited by OSHA for infractions at several locations in recent years. In 2011, the company paid a $550 fine after an employee at one of its California locations cut off three fingers while operating a table saw. A Utah facility had two reportable accidents in 2009.
OSHA lists three open inspections against BMC in 2012: one after an accident and two that resulted in a total of six citations. Those cases are pending.
Guarding Hazards
OSHA offers information on machine guarding and amputation hazards on its website.
BMC has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply with or contest the citations.
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