'Serious safety hazards' land Houston metal refinisher with $338K OSHA fine

A south Houston metal refinishing company has been fined more than $300,000 for exposing employees to dozens of serious health hazards, following a federal workplace inspection. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that birth defects, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disease and cancers topped a list of potential health impacts for workers at Outdoor Furniture Refinishing, which does business as Allied Powder Coating, following an investigation that began in December. The Department of Labor, of which OSHA is a part, said Monday that the company would be fined $338,000 for 44...