A Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) inspection found Walla Walla Foundry Inc. violated a range of rules from a general lack of planning and hazard assessment to specific and serious failures to provide required safety equipment or training to workers.

L&I also cited the company for failing to make sure power supply to dangerous equipment is turned off and locked so it cannot come back on, and for not supervising work in confined spaces. Energy or power control incidents happen when machinery unexpectedly or accidentally gets power and starts up because the power source isn’t shut off or “locked out.”

A confined space is one that is large enough and arranged so that a worker can fully enter it and work, has limited or restricted entry or exit, and is not designed for someone to be inside continuously. Businesses must keep workers safe in these confined spaces.

Violating safety requirements like these can have tragic results. In February, L&I cited a Sumas roofing materials manufacturer for similar violations that resulted in the death of an employee.

In all, Walla Wall Foundry was cited for 29 serious and 13 general violations. The company has filed an appeal.

Training and consultation

L&I provides training on lockout/tagout procedures and how to work safely in confined spaces. Businesses may also take advantage of Consultation Services, provided free of charge, to assist with safety plans and procedures.