In a recent statement, OSHA said it had found 50 alleged serious and eight repeat safety and health violations during a comprehensive investigation at the Hoover Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant.
USBR has said it has worked cooperatively with OSHA during and following its inspection and is fully committed to addressing all identified deficiencies. It pointed out that none of these identified items jeopardized the safety of the general public or threatened the structural integrity of the dam or dam operations.
"Although one violation is one too many, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the issues raised are fixed and do not happen again," said Lower Colorado Regional Director Terry Fulp. "We are committed to the safety of all the employees who work in our facilities, the visitors who enjoy the Hoover Dam experience and the general public."
USBR said it has already has taken substantial action to address most deficiencies identified by OSHA and will request an informal conference to discuss identified violations and ongoing remediation of outstanding issues.
Examples of items identified by OSHA include a drill press not mounted to a bench, equipment without the necessary guards and lack of proper labels on electrical panels, all of which have been corrected. Another example involved doors from the historical design of the dam that swing into the facility rather than out. A solution is actively under development.
USBR is responsible for Hoover Dam, its power plant and the facilities that support it.
"A comprehensive and well-supported occupational safety and health program is important to a strong and productive workforce," added Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor. "Reclamation will do what is necessary to ensure that safety continues to come first at its offices and facilities."
As part of its ongoing Safety Program, USBR will share the findings from this OSHA inspection with all of its offices to ensure the potential for similar violations does not exist at other facilities.
