FULTON - Federal officials announced Monday that three Mueller Industries subsidiaries should pay $683,000 in penalties for exposing workers to safety and health hazards.

An investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration resulted in 128 citations for Mueller Copper Tube, Mueller Fittings and Mueller Packaging, all in Fulton. The three companies are subsidiaries of the Memphis-based Mueller Industries.

The investigation began after the July 29 death of maintenance worker Phillip Cason Hosch of Sulligent, Ala., in a fire and explosion at Mueller Copper Tube. Two other workers were injured.

"Mueller Industries subsidiaries' dangerous practices exposed workers to a variety of hazards that ultimately took one worker's life," Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for OSHA, said in a news release.

"The significant fines of $683,000 cannot replace this worker's life or bring peace to the family, but they will go a long way in letting this employer know disregarding worker safety and health will not be tolerated."

John Hansen, president of manufacturing operations for Mueller Industries, said the company is reviewing the citations and will meet with OSHA to discuss them in the coming weeks.

Before receiving the citations, he said, "Mueller undertook measures to address many of the suggestions and concerns shared by OSHA. In fact, nearly all of the citations have already been abated.

amp"Mueller is committed to providing a safe work environment for all its employees and has worked closely and fully cooperated with OSHA during the inspections. We will continue to focus on safety through our work practices, training, and encouraging the valuable input of our employees," he said.

OSHA findings

According to the OSHA release, more than 90 of the citations were levied against Mueller Copper Tube. OSHA findings included failure to guard machinery, exposure to electrical shock, unsafe electrical equipment and practices, and failure to label hazardous chemicals.

Mueller Copper Tube also received the bulk of the fines - $413,500.

Mueller Fittings' 22 citations included unsafe propane storage and handling, unsafe material storage and likelihood of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. It faces $166,500 in fines.

Mueller Packaging was issued 12 citations, including unsafe crane operation, failing to lock out sources of hazardous energy and electrical hazards. OSHA has recommended $103,000 in fines.

The companies have 15 days to either comply with or contest the findings.

Three deaths since 2008

Mueller Industries, with 20 facilities, produces and distributes copper and brass products for plumbing and refrigeration. The company employs about 270 people in Fulton.

The company has had previous problems with safety. Hosch's death was the third at the facility since April 2008, and Mueller Copper Tube has paid at least $35,000 in fines since 2002.