Austin, Texas – A federal workplace safety investigation has found significant safety violations at Simwon NA Corp., a Kyle, Texas-based vehicle parts manufacturer. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determined that the company ignored repeated safety concerns from employees, exposing them to hazardous working conditions, including unsafe machine operations, fall risks, and inadequate personal protective equipment.
Simwon NA Corp., a subsidiary of South Korea’s Myung Shin Industries Co. Ltd., supplies vehicle doors for Tesla’s Giga Texas factory in Austin. The company operates a manufacturing facility in Kyle, about 22 miles from Austin, with approximately 120 employees. Simwon had initially planned to expand its workforce to 400 employees after signing a lease for the facility last year.
Following an inspection that began in June 2022, OSHA cited Simwon NA Corp. for multiple violations. These include one willful violation for failing to control hazardous energy, which could lead to sudden machine startups, and over a dozen serious citations for non-compliance with required machine safety procedures, confined space safety protocols, fall hazard prevention, and crane operation standards. OSHA has proposed a penalty of $298,338 for these violations.
“OSHA found that – despite concerns voiced by its workers – Simwon NA Corp. ignored serious safety issues, putting its workers at risk,” said OSHA Area Director Casey Perkins in Austin. “The company must act quickly to comply with federal safety standards before an employee suffers serious injury or worse.”
Simwon has 15 business days from receiving the citations to either comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a fundamental responsibility of all employers. Unfortunately, some companies fail to take necessary precautions, endangering their employees. If you or someone you know has suffered a workplace injury, seeking legal assistance is crucial. Our law firm is committed to advocating for injured workers and ensuring they receive the compensation and support they deserve. Contact us for more information.
Contact Us
Izzak Banda Wins Income Benefits and Medical Care for Terminated Injured Worker
In a case that highlights the dedication and perseverance of our legal team, Texas Workers’ Compensation attorney Izzak Banda successfully secured income benefits and medical treatment for his client after a grueling battle with Acadia Insurance Company, the employer’s insurance carrier. This case serves as a testament to the importance of thorough legal representation against unjust denials of workers’ compensation claims.
Attorney Nikki Miller Wins Brain Injury Battle Against Sentry Casualty
Brain injury cases are often considered to be some of the most difficult to win in the Texas Workers’ Compensation realm. Nikki Miller, a senior associate at Abbott, Clay & Bedoy LLC, recently emerged victorious in a grueling legal battle against Sentry Casualty Insurance Company, a major insurance carrier who refused to cover damages related to a work-related head injury. This victory not only highlights the relentless fight of injured workers but also underscores the extraordinary efforts of their tireless legal advocates.
Workers’ Compensation in the Rio Grande Valley: Protecting Our Essential Workforce
The Rio Grande Valley, known as “The Valley,” is a dynamic region in South Texas that plays a crucial role in the state’s economy. Stretching from the Gulf of Mexico inland, this area is a bustling hub of industrial activity, including manufacturing, refining, agriculture, and more.
The cities of Brownsville, McAllen, Edinburg, Harlingen, Pharr, Weslaco, Mission, and Port Isabel each contribute to the Valley’s economic vitality. However, with this industrial growth comes an increased risk of workplace injuries, making workers’ compensation a critical aspect of employee welfare.
Texas Construction Worker Files $1M Negligence Lawsuit Against Builder and Contractor
A Texas construction worker has filed a non-subscriber negligence lawsuit against Charter Custom Homes Corporation and Carrillo Quality Painting, Inc. The lawsuit, filed on May 13, 2024, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, seeks substantial damages for injuries he sustained while working on a construction site. His employer was not covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Navigating Workplace Injuries – Worker Rights in Texas
Occupational injuries can have a major impact on your ability to work, earn, and maintain your quality of life. At Abbott, Clay & Bedoy, LLC, we’re dedicated to standing up for victims of workplace injuries throughout Texas. Let’s break down what your rights are if you find yourself in this tough spot.
Increasing Violence Targets Retail and Food Service Workers
Working in retail and food service has its challenges, but lately, the risks have escalated with a series of attacks on employees across the country. Here’s a look at some of the recent incidents highlighting the dangers faced by these workers.