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Inspectors scrutinize Newport News Shipbuilding

New documents reveal OSHA slapped Huntington Ingalls Industries with a $13,260 fine after discovering hazardous work conditions on walking-working surfaces.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — New documents reveal OSHA slapped Huntington Ingalls Industries with a $13,260 fine after discovering hazardous work conditions on walking-working surfaces.

The investigation came on the heels of a Newport News Shipbuilder’s death after falling on the job last December. James Goins worked at the shipyard for more than 40 years and was a master shipbuilder and sheet metal worker specialist.

According to a Department of Labor spokesperson, Goins received contusions to his back, arms, and shoulders due to his fall. He died three weeks later due to complications following surgery. There were no witnesses when Goins fell, so it is unclear how it happened.

RELATED: OSHA investigates after worker dies following accident at Newport News Shipbuilding

Once OSHA launched an investigation, inspectors discovered hazardous work conditions on walking-working surfaces not directly related to Goins’ death.

In a citation report, it said Newport News Shipbuilding failed to correct the hazardous condition of the platform outside Leased Conex Box ACC3036. The report went on to say that employees don’t have enough space on a stairway when a door or gate opens, citing the platform is either not provided or not large enough.

In a statement, Huntington Ingalls spokesperson said:

"Newport News Shipbuilding takes seriously its commitment to workplace safety. As an Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program site, we have an engaged safety culture and are continuously working to improve safety at the shipyard. OSHA visited Newport News on multiple occasions and did not cite the company for any safety violations related to this incident. In the interest of the family’s privacy, we will not provide additional details at this time."

The Department of Labor confirmed Huntington Ingalls did correct the violation at the site of the fall and at any other locations throughout the shipyard.

Health and Safety Chairman of United Steel Workers Local 8888, Alycia Outlaw, said, “Local 8888 was very saddened by the passing of James Goins X32 sheet metal specialists. We support the findings from the OSHA investigation and feel that no citation amount could replace a life that was lost.”

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