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OSHA Guidance and Emphasis
Programs for the Solid Surface Industry
February
2012
OSHA reminds employers to post injury/illness summaries beginning Feb. 1.
Employers must post OSHA's Form 300A from Feb. 1 to April 30 in
a common area wherever notices to workers are usually posted. The
summary must list the total numbers of job-related injuries and illnesses
that occurred in 2011. Copies of the OSHA Forms are available for download
from OSHA's Recordkeeping webpage...
January
31 2012
New short videos from OSHA provide training to help inform workers on
the proper use of respirators. The Occupational Safety and
Health Administration has posted a series of 17 videos to help workers
learn about the proper use of respirators on the job. These short
videos, nine in English and eight in Spanish, provide valuable
information to workers in general industry and construction. Topics
include OSHA's Respiratory Standard, respirator use, training,
fit-testing and detecting counterfeit respirators...
January
2012
OSHA publishes Illness and Injury Prevention Programs White Paper
January
2012
OSHA posts Summary Report of Stakeholder Meeting on Preventing
Occupational Hearing Loss
January
2012
OSHA Web page offers information to protect workers during winter storm
response and recovery operations
December
21 2011
OSHA aims to protect workers during winter storms.
October
20 2011
Statement from Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on reported decline in
workplace injuries and illnesses.
October
17 2011
New small businesses document explains OSHA's respiratory protection
standard.
October
6 2011
OSHA invites interested parties to participate in an informal stakeholder
meeting on preventing occupational hearing loss.
October
6 2011
OSHA to host conversation with stakeholders on occupational hearing loss.
September
15 2011
OSHA launches new Workplace Violence Web Page.
September
9 2011
OSHA issues 2011 annual inspection plan for protecting workers in
high-hazard workplaces.
September
8 2011
OSHA issues compliance directive to address workplace violence.
August
23 2011
US Department of Labor improves enforcement database.
August 2011
New comprehensive OSHA Web page on preventing work-related hearing loss
contains a wealth of information to help businesses and workers.
August
11 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA releases mobile app to help protect
workers from heat-related illnesses.
As part of continuing educational efforts by the U.S. Department of
Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration about the dangers
of extreme heat, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced a
free application for mobile devices that will enable workers and
supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites in order to
prevent heat-related illnesses. The app, available in English and
Spanish, combines heat index data from the U.S. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration with the user’s location to determine
necessary protective measures...
July
20 2011
Statement by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on continued heat waves
sweeping the country.
July
15 2011
Water, rest and shade: Protecting workers from heat-related illness.
June
28 2011
OSHA launches interactive Web site to help employers
better comply with its recordkeeping rule.
June
22 2011
OSHA seeks comments on proposed updates, revisions to the
occupational injury and illness tracking and reporting requirements.
June 16 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA conducting inspections focused on powered
industrial truck hazards in Alabama,
Mississippi,
Florida
and Georgia.
June
16 2011
OSHA releases bookmark explaining young workers' rights.
June
16 2011
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis and ambassadors of Guatemala and
Nicaragua sign declarations protecting migrant workers' rights.
May
26 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA announces final rule affecting respiratory
protection, slings, exposure and medical records, and other standards.
May
23 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA launches national survey on employers'
safety and health practices to help guide future rules, compliance,
outreach
May
16 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA reopens public record on proposed
record-keeping rule to add work-related musculoskeletal disorders
OSHA estimates that 1.505 million recordable MSDs are expected to occur
annually among 1.542 million affected establishments and that the
annualized costs of the proposed rule would be $1.7 million per year for
all affected establishments combined. The U.S. Department of Labor's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration tomorrow will reopen the
public record on a proposed rule to revise the Occupational Injury and
Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements regulation on May 17.
"OSHA is eager to hear from the public on this, and every, proposed
rule," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety
and Health Dr. David Michaels." The more feedback the agency
receives from small businesses on this topic, the better informed we
will be in crafting a proposed regulation that protects workers without
overburdening employers..."
May
2011
New Injury and Illness Prevention Programs Web page now online
OSHA has a new Injury
and Illness Prevention Programs Web page to provide easy to use,
informative and useful guidance on how to implement an effective system
for finding and fixing workplace safety and health hazards. Injury and
illness prevention programs, known by a variety of names, are universal
interventions that can substantially reduce the number and severity of
workplace injuries and alleviate the associated financial burdens on U.S.
workplaces. Many states have requirements or voluntary guidelines for
workplace injury and illness prevention programs. Also, numerous employers
in the United States already manage safety using injury and illness
prevention programs and OSHA believes that all employers can and should do
the same. As OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels put it, "Injury
and illness prevention programs are good for workers, good for business
and good for America."
April
28 2011
OSHA will hold expert forum to identify regulatory options for
protecting workers from combustible dust hazards.
April
2011
Employers: Be sure to post injury and illness summaries now until April
30, 2011
(Form 300A PDF
382kb)
April
26 2011
US Labor Department launches national outreach campaign to protect workers
from heat-related illnesses.
March
25 2011
New guidance documents explain importance of testing in reducing,
preventing worker exposure to respiratory hazards.
March
23 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA to hold teleconferences for small businesses
to provide input on proposed column for employer injury and illness
logs. Small businesses from around the country are
encouraged to participate in a series of three teleconferences to
provide input on OSHA's proposal to add a column for work-related
musculoskeletal disorders on employer injury and illness logs.
March
1 2011
North Carolina issues forklift hazard alert to prevent workplace
injuries and deaths. North Carolina's Occupational Safety
and Health Division published a hazard
alert* on the dangers of forklifts and materials handling.
February
15 2011
Statement from assistant secretary of labor for OSHA supporting promotion
of job creation
Agency doing everything possible to support good, safe jobs
February
15 2011
OSHA issues enforcement guidance on personal protective equipment to
protect general industry workers' safety, health. The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration today issued the Enforcement
Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry*, a
directive that provides enforcement personnel with instructions for
determining whether employers have complied with OSHA personal
protective equipment (PPE) standards. The directive was effective Feb.
10. Changes in this directive include clarifying what type of PPE
employers must provide at no cost to workers and when employers are
required and not required to pay for PPE.
January
25 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA temporarily withdraws proposed column for
work-related musculoskeletal disorders, reaches out to small businesses.
"Work-related musculoskeletal disorders remain the leading cause of
workplace injury and illness in this country, and this proposal is an
effort to assist employers and OSHA in better identifying problems in
workplaces," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational
Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "However, it is clear that
the proposal has raised concern among small businesses, so OSHA is
facilitating an active dialogue between the agency and the small
business community."
January
19 2011
40th Anniversary Speakers Series: Granting Basic Rights to American
Workers.
January
19 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA withdraws proposed interpretation on
occupational noise
Agency examines other approaches to prevent work-related hearing loss.
December
29 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA reminds employers of hazards associated with
snow cleanup, urges proper worker safeguards. In light of the
recent blizzard and in anticipation of more winter storms, the U.S.
Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
wants to remind workers, employers and the general public of the hazards
associated with snow removal and recovery work. "Cleaning up
after a storm encompasses a variety of tasks, each of which can carry
risks if performed incorrectly or without proper safeguards," said
Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York. "We want
people to know what those risks are and what steps they can take to
protect themselves against these hazards." Common hazards can
include:..
December
6 2010
OSHA extends comment period to March 21, 2011, announces stakeholder
meeting on noise control interpretation. "We're very eager
to get input from those parties who would be affected by this proposed
interpretation," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of
labor for occupational safety and health. "We have by no means
completed our review of the issue and seek to make an informed decision
that is in the best interest of protecting workers, yet sensitive to the
operating changes businesses would need to make. There is sufficient
evidence that hearing protection alone cannot prevent workers from
suffering preventable hearing loss."
November
30 2010
Michaels informs national conference of public health professionals about
OSHA's efforts to update chemical exposure limits. OSHA
Assistant Secretary David Michaels participated in a panel discussion Nov.
8 in Denver at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting.
He shared with the audience OSHA's efforts to address the agency's
outdated workplace chemicals Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs).
Most of OSHA's PELs
were adopted when the agency was first created and have remained unchanged
even though health data indicates many chemicals pose hazards to workers
at levels below those permitted by many of OSHA's PELs. OSHA held a web
forum in August to solicit nominations on the top chemicals of concern and
received more than 130
nominations for OSHA to focus its initial efforts...
October
25 2010
OSHA discusses ergonomics, combustible dust, supervisor accountability in
safety, crane issues and fatality prevention at Steel Manufacturers
Association meeting
October
22 2010
OSHA targets high-hazard worksites for inspection.
Establishments are randomly selected for inspection from an initial list
of 4,100 manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and nursing and personal care
facilities...
October
21 2010
Statement of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis on reported decline in
workplace injuries and illnesses. "While the reported decline in workplace injuries and
illnesses is encouraging, 3.3 million workplace injuries and illnesses are
3.3 million too many. No worker should fear being injured or made sick for
a paycheck...
October
19 2010
OSHA's Official Interpretation of Provisions for Feasible Administrative
or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise.
OSHA is proposing to amend its current enforcement policy to reflect the
interpretation of the term "feasible administrative or engineering
controls" as used in the current occupational noise exposure
standards....
October
19 2010
OSHA seeks comments on its official interpretation of workplace noise
exposure controls. Comments on the
interpretation must be submitted on or before Dec. 20, 2010....
October
15 2010
Michaels shares vision for transforming OSHA to meet future challenges.
OSHA Assistant Secretary sent a letter Oct. 15 outlining the progress
being made in transforming the way the agency addresses workplace
hazards...
October
15 2010
Tom Galassi, head of OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement programs, shares
the top 10 most frequently cited standards.
October
15 2010
OSHA rolls out presidential initiative to improve federal worker safety.
October
15 2010
OSHA adjusts focus of accurate recordkeeping emphasis program.
OSHA adjusted the targeting criteria for new inspections under its ongoing
National Recordkeeping Emphasis Program. The NEP is scheduled to run
through February 2010...
October
15 2010
OSHA increases enforcement against serious safety and health violators.
The increase in significant and
egregious cases demonstrates OSHA's commitment to aggressively enforcing
its standards...
October
15 2010
Michaels shares goals for protecting workers at national safety
conference. OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels
shared the Obama Administration's vision for government agencies at the
National Safety Council's 2010 Congress & Expos. Michaels told
the audience of about 10,000 safety and health professionals and
industrial hygienists that OSHA and NIOSH believe the key to worker safety
and health is focusing on prevention and shifting the burden of worker
protection to employers...
October
15 2010
Michaels tells steelworkers OSHA is committed to creating and enforcing
standards that will save lives. OSHA Assistant Secretary
David Michaels told the audience at a United Steelworkers Health, Safety
and Environment Conference in Pittsburgh that OSHA is returning to basics
to protect the safety and health of workers on the job. He stressed the
need to expand OSHA's enforcement powers and penalty amounts through
legislative reform such as the Protecting America's Workers Act...
October
4 2010
U.S. Labor Department's reaches out to prevent distracted driving.
Agency launches online resource for Drive Safely to Work Week.
September
21 2010
OSHA announces partnership with Department of Transportation to combat
distracted driving. Employers who organize work so that
texting is a practical necessity, even if not a formal requirement,
violate the OSH Act.
August
2010
OSHA issues annual inspection plan under the Site-Specific Targeting 2010
program to help the agency direct enforcement resources.
Establishments are randomly selected from a list of manufacturing,
non-manufacturing, and nursing and personal care facilities.
July
19 2010
Obama issues memorandum on Presidential POWER Initiative: Protecting Our
Workers and Ensuring Reemployment
July
7 2010
Whistleblowers.gov offers quick access to whistleblower protection
information
June
21 2010
OSHA to hold additional stakeholder meeting on worker injury and illness
prevention rule
June
18 2010
OSHA's severe violator enforcement directive effective June 18
June
11 2010
New OSHA training emphasizes workers rights
June
7 2010
OSHA virtual stakeholder meeting seeks input on combustible dust worker
hazards
Training
Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines
May 24 2010
OSHA
publishes proposed rulemaking to prevent injuries from slips, trips and
falls on walking-working surfaces
May 4 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA holds series of stakeholder meeting on worker
Injury and Illness Prevention Programs
April 29 2010
Statement
of US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on Protecting America's Workers
Act
April 27 2010
US
assistant secretary of labor for OSHA to testify today on strengthening
enforcement and ensuring safe workplaces for every American worker
April 22 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA takes action to protect America's workers
with severe violator program and increased penalties
April 14 2010
Secretary
of Labor Hilda L. Solis convenes 1st every national action summit on
health and safety of Latino workers
March 18 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA announces informal public hearing on hazard
communication in Pittsburgh on March 31
March 17 2010
US
Assistance Secretary of labor for OSHA testifies on proposed Protecting
America's Workers Act (PAWA) before House subcommittee.
PAWA
would raise penalties, strengthen workers' voices in the workplace,
expand the rights of victims and their families, and provide other new
rules that would grant greater power to OSHA.
March 16 2010
OSHA
schedules combustible dust stakeholder meetings in Chicago to address
workplace hazards.
March 9 2010
OSHA
notifies 15,000 workplaces of high injury and illness rates
January 28 2010
OSHA
proposes revised Recordkeeping regulation to better identify
work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD's)
January 27 2010
OSHA
withdraws proposed rule for additional quantitative fit-testing
protocols for the Respiratory Protection Standard
January 27 2010
OSHA
releases workplace injury and illness information representing
administration's "Open Government" policy
January 25 2010
OSHA
invites interested parties to participate in meetings on combustible
dust workplace hazards
January 8 2010
New
OSHA videos provide respirator and facemask safety guidance
January 7 2010
OSHA
announces informal public hearing on hazard communication rule
November
23 2009
OSHA
focuses local emphasis program on general industry establishments with
noise, respiratory hazards.
October 21 2009
OSHA
issues proposed rule for combustible dust. Over
the past 15 years, a number of industries have experienced serious dust
explosions, causing loss of life and injuries, as well as property
damage...
October 1 2009
OSHA
issues proposed rule to adopt the Globally Harmonized Hazard
Communication System. A proposed rule to align
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Hazard Communication
Standard (HCS) with provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized
System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GCS) ...
September 30 2009
Notice
of Injury and Illness Recordkeeping National Emphasis Program
September 15 2009
OSHA
document describes silica control. A guidance
document has been recently published by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration that addresses the control of worker exposure to
dust containing crystalline silica, known to cause the lung disease
silicosis...
September 9 2009
OSHA
issues final rule updating personal protective equipment standards.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) today published in the Federal Register a final
rule revising the personal protective equipment (PPE) sections of
standards concerning requirements for eye- and face- protective devices,
and head and foot protection ...
April 29 2009
OSHA
announces rulemaking on combustible dust hazards. The
U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) is initiating a comprehensive rulemaking on combustible dust...
November 8 2008
Hazards
of Transporting, Unloading, Storing and Handling Granite, Marble and Stone
Slabs.
February 1 2008
OSHA
establishes national emphasis program on Silica OSHA
today announced a new National Emphasis Program to target worksites where
employees are at risk for developing silicosis. "Exposure to
silica threatens nearly two million American employees annually"
said...
Recent OSHA Citations
related to the Solid Surface Industry
January 31 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites manufacturer for exposing workers to
multiple safety hazards at Euless, Texas, facility; proposed
penalties total $44,800. Violations involve
failing to keep exit areas unobstructed, properly store compressed gas
cylinders, provide proper machine guarding, ensure that forklifts were
properly serviced and maintained, provide forklift operator training,
address electrical wiring deficiencies; mount fire extinguishers and
failing to complete the OSHA 300 log of injuries and illnesses in detail
as required. SpeQtrum Prepress Production Services manufactures printing
plates and cutting dies, and employs about 35 workers at the Euless
location...
January 30 2012
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Polymerics in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio,
after worker's hand amputated by shear machine. OSHA
initiated an inspection upon receiving a complaint that alleged a
malfunctioning safety pin on the hydraulic shear machine had resulted in
the amputation of a worker's hand. Additional violations were cited for
failing to conduct an annual review of lockout/tagout procedures to
control hazardous energy and failing to train employees on hazardous
chemicals as well as develop, implement and train workers in machine
specific lockout/tagout procedures while servicing or conducting
maintenance. Proposed fines from the latest inspection total $74,900...
January 27 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $51,680 in fines to Syracuse, NY, metal
finishing plant
after employee is burned. OSHA's inspection was
initiated after flammable vapors ignited in a storage room holding more
than 800 gallons of flammable liquids, and a plant employee who tried to
extinguish the fire sustained burns. Violations involve the storage and
dispensing of flammable liquids, including a lack of ventilation in the
storage room. Additionally, the room was not constructed to meet the
National Fire Protection Association's required fire-resistance rating,
numerous containers of flammable liquids were open and uncovered,
flammable liquids were dispensed without the nozzle and container being
electrically bonded, and a lighter was allowed to be ignited in the
storage room. Additional hazards include a lack of fire extinguisher
training, blocked fire extinguisher access, ungrounded electrical
equipment, unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals, uninspected and
unrated overhead hoists and lifting devices, lack of an operating
sprinkler system for a paint spray booth where flammable paint was used,
accumulation of combustible residue on paint spray booths and the use of
an extension cord in place of fixed wiring...
January 24 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Michigan-based International Automotive
Components in Huron, Ohio, after worker injured during crane operations;
proposed fines total $59,500. An inspection
was initiated based on a complaint alleging that a worker's finger was
crushed when a mold being lifted by a remote-controlled crane swung into
his hand. Violations related to the incident include failing to make
sure employees did not perform tasks under suspended loads and were kept
clear of loads about to be lifted by cranes. Additional violations
include failing to provide employees working on presses with fall
protection and a safe means of access to the molds; lock out the energy
sources of machinery during maintenance; provide a backrest extension on
forklifts and guard a pinch point created by rotating parts. Finally,
improper wiring methods exposed workers to electrical hazards...
January 24 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $148,000 in fines to Loveland Products
in Fairbury, Neb., for process safety management deficiencies, other
hazards; proposed penalties total $148,000.
Violations are related to process safety management include incorrect
and incomplete process and implementation diagrams, a deficient process
hazard analysis of the system, incomplete operating procedures, an
inadequate mechanical integrity program for the system, inappropriate
inspections and tests of the system, and a lack of hot work permits.
OSHA also found compliance audits to be insufficient and that the
employer failed to follow up on compliance audit findings. Other
violations involve electrical hazards as well as deficiencies with
walking/working surfaces, overhead storage, an emergency action plan,
hazard communication and procedures for the lockout/tagout of energy
sources and failing to document powered industrial truck training...
January 23 2012
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Jennie-O Turkey Store after amputation
of worker's arm at Barron, Wis., processing facility.
An employee's arm allegedly became caught in an energized turkey shackle
line while the employee was working alone in a confined space.
Afterward, the employee had to walk down a flight of 25 stairs and 200
feet across the production floor to get the attention of a co-worker for
assistance; failing to provide fall protection, provide rescue and
emergency services equipment, develop procedures to summon rescue and
emergency services, provide confined space entry procedures, prepare
entry permits for the confined space, train employees and supervisors in
entry permit procedures, and ensure that the entry supervisor performed
required duties. Based on the violations cited during this inspection,
OSHA has proposed $318,000 in fines...
January 18 2012
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Curt Manufacturing in Eau Claire, Wis.,
after worker's thumb crushed by unguarded machine; $105,000 in fines
proposed for multiple violations.
January 18 2012
US
Labor Department files complaint to require DeMoulas Super Markets to
address hazards at Market Basket stores in Massachusetts and New
Hampshire. The complaint alleges that employees at
multiple Market Basket stores were exposed or likely to be exposed to
fall hazards from unguarded, open-sided work and storage areas,
including storage lofts and atop produce coolers and freezers. The
complaint also alleges that the grocery chain failed to protect
employees in produce, deli and bakery departments against laceration
hazards from knives and cutting instruments by not conducting job hazard
analyses that would have identified the need for hand protection, and by
not providing such hand protection to workers...
January 18 2012
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites American Railcar Industries for safety
violations following electrocution of worker near Marmaduke, Ark.
OSHA's investigation found that workers were being exposed to electrical
shocks from welding equipment. The violations include failing to provide
personal protection for employees conducting cutting and welding
operations; properly mark the power supply and control boxes for
voltage, current and wattage; use fixed wiring instead of flexible cords
and protect the wiring from possible damage; remove defective electrical
equipment from service; and inspect and mark web slings...
January 13 2012
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites American Marazzi Tile for exposing
workers to excessive noise levels, lack of machine guarding and other
hazards. Sunnyvale, Texas-based tile manufacturer faces proposed
fines of $318,000.
January 12 2012
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes nearly $148,000 in fines to
Escanaba, Mich. shipyard and boat fabricating facility for machine
guarding, hazard communication and other safety and health violations.
January 12 2012
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Newnan, Ga., manufacturer for
combustible dust, PPE and other safety and health violations; proposes
more than $55,000 in penalties.
January 12 2012
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Braselton, Ga., poultry processor for
machine guarding and other safety violations, proposes more than
$142,000 in penalties.
January 11 2012
Georgia
plastics manufacturer cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for
exposing workers to falls, shocks, combustible dust and other hazards; proposed
penalties total $55,755. Violations involve
failing to provide machine guarding on the rotational molding machine,
router, bench grinder and drill press; develop specific lockout/tagout
procedures for energy sources; train maintenance workers required to
perform lockout/tagout procedures; place fire extinguishers in their
designated areas; properly store oxygen and acetylene tanks; inspect
powered industrial trucks; address electrical deficiencies; exits were
blocked by wooden crates and totes; workers were exposed to fall
hazards; slings were used without safety latches; allowing combustible
dust to accumulate on walls and pipes; failing to ensure that isolation
devices were installed on dust collection systems to prevent the dust
from spreading; provide noise training; label spray bottles containing
acetone with a hazard warning; failing to provide workers using
respirators with Appendix D of the related OSHA standard; and provide
employees using tight-fitting respirators with a medical evaluation....
January 11 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $70,000 in fines against Everett,
Mass., recycling company after workers injured by rotating equipment.
The employees were performing maintenance work inside a large rotating
drum used to sort scrap material for recycling when the drum activated,
injuring them. OSHA's resulting inspection identified several serious
deficiencies in the facility's hazardous energy control procedures,
which should ensure machines are deactivated and their power sources
locked out before employees perform maintenance work. In this case, the
procedures were incomplete and not clearly communicated, training was
inadequate, and the procedures were not reviewed to ensure that they
were effective and understood by the employees. The inspection also
found that the employees were not trained to work in confined spaces,
and were not provided a hot work permit for welding performed in the
drum...
January 10 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $125,000 in fines to Palmyra,
NJ, linen rental company for workplace safety and health hazards.
Violations involve failing to provide protection from electrical
hazards; develop and implement written respiratory protection, hazard
communication and confined space entry programs; provide machine
guarding; provide guardrails for stairways and working platforms;
conduct a personal protective equipment hazard assessment; ensure the
safe use of ladders and forklifts; provide lockout/tagout, respirator,
hazard communication and fire extinguisher training; provide an eyewash
station; provide mounted fire extinguishers; ensure aisles and
passageways were clear; various electrical hazards; incomplete record
keeping for the OSHA 300 injury and illness logs...
January 10 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Newton, NJ, manufacturer for workplace
safety and health violations, proposes nearly $49,000 in fines.
Violations involve obstructed exit routes; lack of proper machine
guarding; deficient record keeping for power press inspections; failing
to implement a hearing conservation program that includes noise
monitoring, audiometric testing and training; properly mount and
identify portable fire extinguishers; provide powered industrial truck
training; implement a hazard communication program that includes
training; ensure proper use and listing of electrical equipment; ensure
compressed air was reduced to 30 pounds per square inch; and ensure
proper functioning and maintenance of mechanical power presses; failing
to record workplace injuries and illnesses on the OSHA 300 log...
January 10 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites New Windsor, NY, felt manufacturer for
repeat and serious safety hazards; more than $146,000 proposed in
penalties. Inspections identified numerous safety
and health hazards, including exposing employees to possible
electrocution, crushing and struck-by injuries, being caught in moving
machine parts, hearing loss, falls, eye and hand injuries...
January 9 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites San Antonio-based Cardell Cabinetry for
exposing workers to combustible dust and other hazards; proposed
penalties total $45,000.
January 9 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes nearly $105,000 in fines against
Interstate Brands for safety hazards at Hostess plant in Biddeford,
Maine. OSHA's inspection found an absence of
guardrails to prevent workers from falling into and through hoppers; a
locked emergency exit door and an exit route blocked by product racks;
unguarded moving machine parts on a conveyor belt, band saw blade, drill
press and other equipment; undocumented procedures to prevent the
unintended activation of machinery during maintenance; and individuals
working on live electrical equipment who were not familiar with the
protective equipment needed for such work. Additional violations involve
failing to guard chains and sprockets on a cake alignment conveyor and a
packaging machine feeder, and provide personal protective equipment to
safeguard employees against electrical shocks, arc flashes and arc
blasts while working with live electrical parts...
January 6 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $90,000 in fines against Avon, NY,
metal products manufacturer for repeat and serious safety hazards.
The hazards included failure to periodically inspect all hazardous
energy control procedures, not locking out machines' power sources
during maintenance, not training employees in hazardous energy control
procedures and several instances of unguarded moving machine parts.
Additionally, the inspection found a damaged ladder and defective fall
protection equipment, misused electrical equipment, exposed electrical
conductors, lack of protective gloves and an emergency eyewash, and
inadequate hearing protection...
January 4 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Conway Stores Inc. for locked emergency
exits and other hazards at its East Fordham Rd. store in the Bronx. Proposed
fines total $90,000. OSHA's inspection revealed
several instances where emergency exit doors in the store were padlocked
during work hours and emergency exit routes were obstructed by racks of
clothing and boxes of stock, conditions that would have prevented or
impeded employees' swift exit of the workplace in the event of a fire or
other emergency. In addition, a cardboard baler was operated with its
door open exposing employees to crushing hazards; an unsecured
compressed gas cylinder was exposed to damage; and the store lacked a
continuing and effective extermination program for rats and vermin...
January 3 2012
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Atglen, Pa., company for exposing
employees to workplace safety hazards; proposed fines total $54,000.
Citations issued for process safety management standard violations
include failing to provide information pertaining to the equipment being
used, establish written operating procedures and safe work practices,
conduct employee training, conduct a pre-start up safety review,
implement written procedures for ongoing integrity, develop procedures
for management of change, certify that compliance was evaluated at least
every three years, and ensure that installations of equipment in
hazardous locations were intrinsically safe or approved for the
hazardous location...
December 28 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes more than $1 million in fines to
Houston, Texas, employer for safety violations. A
worker at Piping Technology contacted OSHA earlier this year, alleging a
lack of brakes on overhead cranes and unguarded presses at the company's
facility on Holmes Road. This complaint triggered an investigation by
OSHA's Houston South Area Office which found that workers were exposed
to amputations and other serious injuries from dangerous machinery, as
well as other hazards...
December 21 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $144,760 in penalties to Houston,
Texas, recycling plant for exposing workers to multiple safety and
health hazards. Petag was cited for failing to
provide personal protective equipment; provide hazard communication
training; ensure the use of seatbelts while operating a forklift;
provide machine guarding for chains, sprockets, pulleys and shaft ends;
provide sanitary washing facilities as well as access to eyewash and
shower stations; provide fall protection when employees are working on
platforms; provide training on lockout/tagout procedures for machines'
energy sources; provide required information for voluntary respirator
use, and injury and illness record-keeping deficiencies...
December 21 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites rubber parts fabricator Acme Machell
Co. in Waukesha, Wis., for safety and health violations; proposed
penalties total $77,600. OSHA opened inspections
after receiving complaints alleging burn hazards and poor housekeeping
throughout the plant. Violations include failing to implement a hazard
communication plan, train first-aid responders on an exposure control
plan to protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens and diseases,
offer hepatitis B vaccines to designated first-aid responders, review or
update the exposure control plan, maintain a list of chemicals being
used in the facility along with relevant material data safety sheets;
failing to properly guard the rear area of a press; failing to properly
maintain fire extinguishers; failing to maintain adequate air pressure
in air nozzles used for cleaning; electrical deficiencies, failing to
evaluate and audit energy control procedures annually; failing to
adequately train workers on hazardous energy control procedures...
December 20 2011
Warren
Fabricating and Machining faces $47,000 in fines for lack of machine
guarding, lockout/tagout and other safety violations.
The violations include failing to develop machine-specific procedures
to control energy sources and appropriate methods for securing machinery
or equipment; conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures;
provide training to workers on lockout/tagout procedures; misuse of
powered industrial trucks, commonly know as fork trucks, including
failing to inspect trucks prior to placing them in service; ensure that
employees received powered industrial truck training; and remove
defective trucks from service; failing to provide machine guarding,
improper use of compressed air used for cleaning purposes...
December 20 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Colfor Manufacturing for exposing workers
to hazardous energy sources during machine servicing. Proposed fines
for Malvern, Ohio-based automotive parts manufacturer total $51,000.
December 14 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Lange Grinding in Streetsboro, Ohio after
worker is injured by falling piece of steel; proposed penalties total
$54,600.
OSHA began an investigation at Lange Grinding Inc., after a worker
sustained a serious injury to his left arm caused by a piece of falling
steel when a lifting magnet malfunctioned. Violations include the lack
of a load rating for the lifting magnet; lack of protection on the
toggle switch of the magnet's control panel; failing to guard open-sided
floors and exposed stairways, inspect ladders and remove a defective
ladder from service, implement a lockout program for the energy sources
of equipment, train lift truck operators on safe operating procedures
and to inspect lift trucks before use, inspect overhead cranes, inspect
slings and fastening attachments, remove defective slings from service,
provide adequate machine guarding, store compressed gas cylinders
safely, control electrical hazards; provide a comprehensive program to
inform employees about hazardous substances; failing to perform a hazard
assessment to determine the need for personal protective equipment and
to conduct fire extinguisher training...
December 14 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Boomerang Tube in Liberty, Texas,
following severe injuries to three workers; proposed penalties total
$468,000.
OSHA began an investigation after three employees were injured. One
employee was injured from becoming caught in an operating machine; a
second employee was struck by a piece of steel; and a third was injured
from becoming caught in machinery. Violations were cited for failing to
repair a damaged under-hung crane; ensure the use of lockout/tagout
procedures to control the energy sources of equipment; and provide
required machine guarding. Other violations include failing to repair
defective hook latches on operating cranes; ensure the facility was
clear of trip and fall hazards; ensure that loads did not exceed the
rated capacity of industrial trucks; and maintain required records of
injuries and illnesses...
December 13 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites 3 New York City contractors for fall,
tripping, electrical, training and other hazards; proposed penalties
total $71,340.
December 12 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Mississippi's Howard Industries for safety
violations at Laurel radiator plant; proposes $59,000 in penalties.
Violations have been cited for failing to use lockout/tagout devices
for the energy sources of equipment to prevent accidental start ups
during servicing; permitting employees to operate equipment without an
electrical ground; slip and fall hazards; allowing employees to stand on
a wood pallet attached to a forklift without guardrails; failing to
provide employees with an apron and face shield when handling chemicals;
not conducting a hazard assessment to identify personal protective
equipment for workers handling chemicals...
December 9 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Colorado Blue Ribbon Foods in Rocky
Ford, Colo., for respiratory protection, material storage, powered
industrial trucks and machine guarding hazards; penalties total more
than $116,000.
December 7 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Central Transport International in
Hillside, Ill., for unsafe forklifts and other safety violations; proposed
penalties total 164,800. Violations involve
allowing workers to operate unsafe forklifts and failing to provide
proper eyewash facilities for workers exposed to corrosive chemicals,
among others...
December 5 2011
Miami,
Fla., contractor cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for willful and
serious violations following carbon monoxide incident. Trans
Florida Development Corp. faces proposed penalties of $66,990 following
an incident that occurred in June at a work site. A worker using a
powered saw to cut a hole in a storm drain box was overexposed to carbon
monoxide from the saw and had to be taken to a hospital for treatment.
Citations were issued for failing to evaluate the job site and implement
procedures to ensure workers were not exposed to toxic substances while
working in a confined space...
December 1 2011
Waymar
Construction Co. in Shelby, Ohio faces $30,500 for child labor and
safety violations after 16-year-old injured on job site.
The U.S. Department of Labor has cited Waymar Construction LLC in
Shelby for child labor and safety violations after a 16-year-old worker
suffered cranial trauma and fractures from falling off a scissor lift.
The division found that Waymar Construction violated the FLSA's child
labor standards by employing a worker less than 18 years old to perform
hazardous jobs prohibited by the act. Waymar Construction also was found
to be in violation of the overtime provisions of the FLSA, for paying
workers "straight time" wages for hours worked over 40 in a
week...
December 1 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $72,900 in fines for East Boston,
Mass., painting contractor for violations after employee overcome by
paint vapors inside confined space.
November 21 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Paterson, NJ, company $126,000 for
failing to guard machines and exposing workers to fall and electrical
hazards. Violations include failing to keep work
areas and passageways free of litter; provide guardrail protection,
guard machines and electrical boxes; provide an eyewash station; provide
personal protective equipment for workers handling chemicals; provide
industrial truck and hazard communication training; ensure exit routes
were unobstructed and visibly marked; make sure exit doors could open
properly; cover electrical panel boards supplying power for equipment
and lighting; properly use flexible cords; implement a lockout/tagout
program for energy sources to prevent machines from accidentally
starting up during servicing and maintenance; perform workplace hazards
assessment; develop a written hazardous communication program and
record-keeping violations...
November 21 2011
Odom
Industries in Milford, Ohio, faces $90,760 in OSHA fines for altering
injury and illness logs and other violations.
OSHA initiated an inspection of the fabrication plant after receiving a
complaint alleging that injured workers, who were unable to perform
their normal jobs, were moved to other jobs to avoid recordable injuries
on the OSHA 300 logs. Additionally, violations were cited for failing to
inspect and train employees in the use of personal protective gear,
misuse of metal ladders, failure to conduct annual audiograms for
employees exposed to noise hazards, failing to provide welding shields
and screens, and failing to conduct hexavalent chromium training,
failing to document inspections of crane hooks and chains, failing to
establish a respiratory program including fit-testing...
November 21 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Remington Arms Co. for mechanical,
electrical and chemical hazards; proposed penalties total $170,000.
Specifically, OSHA found violations involving a lack of personal
protective equipment; accumulations of toxic substances lead and cadmium
on surfaces in the plant; food and beverages stored and consumed at
cadmium-contaminated work stations; failing to provide workers with
training and information...
November 16 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $177,000 in fines to Pomfret, Conn.,
manufacturer for repeat, serious violations of workplace safety
standards. The cited hazards include untrained employees
working on live electrical equipment without adequate personal
protective equipment; ungrounded lamps and electrical receptacles;
damaged and misused electrical equipment and cords; not using hazardous
energy control procedures during maintenance of machinery; unguarded
moving machine parts; uninspected lifting slings; excessive buildup of
combustible dust in two locations; spray painting with flammable paint
within 20 feet of spark-producing equipment; excessive noise levels and
the lack of controls to reduce noise levels; improper dispensing of
flammable liquids; inadequate eyewash facilities for employees working
with chemicals; unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals; failure to
conduct initial monitoring for hexavalent chromium; exit routes arranged
so employees would have to travel toward high-hazard areas when exiting
the plant in an emergency...
November 15 2011
Legend
Tube and Metal Sales faces $157,200 in proposed fines after cranes
struck workers.
November 4 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Metalico Rochester Inc. following worker's
death at Rochester, NY, recycling facility Employer issued repeat
citations for inadequate hazardous energy control.
November 3 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $62,000 in fines to Elm
Grove, W.Va., company for inadequate hazard energy control and other
hazards; proposed penalties total $62,400.
Violations include failing to evaluate the facility to
determine if any areas were permit-required confined spaces; properly
guard floor holes; develop written energy control procedures for
machines with multiple energy sources; mount portable fire
extinguishers, perform annual maintenance checks on them and train
employees on their use; examine forklifts before placing them in
service; conduct an exposure determination for workers with exposure to
bloodborne pathogens; provide fall protection for employees working on
an elevated platform using forklifts; provide personal protective
equipment; provide a suitable facility for quick drenching or flushing
of the eyes and/or body for workers exposed to injurious corrosive
materials; provide a hand-washing facility readily accessible to
employees; provide appropriate safety and machine guarding; provide
hepatitis B vaccines to employees potentially exposed to bloodborne
pathogens; ensure that all work areas were clean and in an orderly and
sanitary condition; ensure that an emergency exit door was unlocked and
unimpeded; ensure that electrical equipment was free from recognized
hazards; keep the area around a circuit breaker panel free from
materials; attach grounded conductors to terminals or leads so as to
reverse polarity; effectively close knockouts; properly illuminate work
areas for employees; properly illuminate each exit sign; establish a
written exposure control plan to eliminate or minimize employee exposure
to bloodborne pathogens; and institute an effective hearing conservation
program; failing to properly record work-related injuries and illnesses
on OSHA's 300A log; failing to train employees on the hazardous
chemicals in their work areas...
November 3 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites American Phoenix in Eau Claire, Wis.,
for exposing workers to combustible dust, failing to use protective
equipment; proposed fines total $51,480.
November 2 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Neman Painting & Sandblasting in
Waukesha, Wis., respirator hazards and other safety violations. Proposed
penalties total $50,140.
November 2 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Illinois pet food production and
packaging company for exposing employees to dust and noise hazards; fines
exceed $750,000.
November 1 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Gardner Equipment Co. in Columbus and
Juneau, Wis., for PPE and other safety and health violations. Proposed fines total
$125,900. Violations include failing to ensure that
workers at the Columbus facility wore protective clothing while using
powdered paint containing skin irritants and sensitizers, failing to
train workers on the use of personal protective equipment and failure to
establish an adequate hazard communication program and do the required
employee training...
October 31 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites USUI International Corp. in Monroe,
Ohio, for repeatedly failing to train workers in lockout/tagout
procedures. Proposed fines total $90,600.
October 28 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Dallas facility of California-based
Bridgford Foods for exposing workers to noise, energized machine hazards
Employer faces $422,600 in proposed fines.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and
Health Administration has cited Anaheim, Calif.-based Bridgford Foods
Corp. for 27 safety and health violations at its food manufacturing
facility in Dallas, with proposed penalties totaling $422,600. The
violations include, among others, failing to establish and maintain a
hearing conservation program for workers exposed to noise hazards beyond
the permissible exposure limit, and failing to establish a
lockout/tagout program for energy sources to protect workers from
machines starting up unexpectedly...
October 26 2011
North
Georgia sewing contractor cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for
serious safety violations; nearly $47,000 proposed in penalties.
Dacorp Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration for safety violations at
its sewing plant in Morganton after an inspection identified a number of
deficiencies, including obstructed exit routes and electrical hazards.
Additional violations included an insufficient number of exit routes, a
number of potential fire hazards; not training employees in the proper
use of powered industrial trucks; an exhaust fan that lacked safeguards;
not providing employees with effective information and training on
hazardous chemicals in their work areas; and the lack of material safety
data sheets for all chemicals found at the plant; no assessment to
determine the need for personal protective equipment; and not supplying
workers with eye protection...
October 26 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Central Transport International in
Omaha, Neb., for safety violations, including unsafe forklifts. Proposed
fines total $114,000. OSHA initiated its
inspection as part of a local emphasis program on the handling of
motorized equipment, such as powered industrial trucks, skid steers,
cranes, man lifts, front-end loaders and aerial lifts.Violations were
cited for exposing workers to hazards by allowing them to operate
forklifts that remained in service even after deficiencies were noted
and for exposing workers' eyes, faces and hands to corrosive chemicals
without providing suitable eyewash facilities...
October 26 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Formation Plastics in Quinter, Kan.,
for willful and serious violations after workplace fatality.
OSHA initiated an inspection after a worker was fatally
crushed between a press mold and the machine's outer structure. The
violations, carrying $210,000 in proposed fines, address hazards
associated with failing to develop and utilize energy control
procedures, failing to train workers in energy control and exposing
workers to moving equipment parts. An addition violation, with a $7,000
fine, was cited for failing to provide point-of-operation guarding on a
punch press...
October 25 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Wegmans Food Market for
inadequate safeguards and other hazards at corporate bakery and
distribution center in Rochester, NY. More than $195,000 proposed in
fines. The retail grocery chain
faces a total of $195,200 in proposed fines, chiefly for inadequate
safeguards, to prevent the unintended startup of machinery during
maintenance. OSHA's hazardous energy control, or lockout/tagout,
standard mandates that machines be shut down and the power sources
locked out before workers perform maintenance. The standard also
requires proper procedures, training and equipment to ensure that
machines cannot be unintentionally activated and seriously injure
workers performing maintenance on machines...
October 24 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Grenada, Miss., plant for amputation
hazards and other safety violations, proposes more than $113,000 in
fines. OSHA officials opened an inspection at
the facility under the agency's national emphasis program on amputations
and found violations involving failing to properly install guards on
machinery to prevent workers from becoming injured by the equipment,
amongst other hazards. The intent of the national emphasis program on
amputations is to reduce amputation injuries while maximizing OSHA's
inspection resources by targeting workplaces with machinery and
equipment that cause, or are capable of causing, amputations...
October 21 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites M-Power Chemicals in Brookshire, Texas,
for respiratory, combustible dust and other hazards. Proposed
penalties total $54,600. Violations
involve failing to adequately control combustible dust; failing to use
noncombustible ventilation ducts; failing to electrically ground bulk
container bags while being emptied; failing to keep work and storage
areas clean of combustible dust; failing to develop, implement and train
employees in a respiratory protection program; failing to medically
evaluate and fit-test employees for respiratory protection; failing to
provide warning signs to alert employees of the hazards of combustible
dust; failing to use the proper filter cartridge on respirators and
failing to list hazardous chemicals used in the workplace...
October 20 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Texas-based operator of Jiffy Lube in
Arlington Heights, Ill., for slip and fall hazards, other violations.
Proposed penalties total $52,700 for Heartland Automotive
Services Inc., the operator of a Jiffy Lube oil changing facility in
Arlington Heights. Violations were cited for failing to maintain dry
floors and allowing floors to be slick from oil and water accumulation,
which created slip and fall hazards; failing to evaluate the workplace
for hazards that necessitated the use of personal protective
equipment; provide a written hazard communication program; list
and label containers of hazardous chemicals; train workers on hazards
and safety precautions; improper record keeping...
October 18 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes more than $589,000 in fines to
Tewksbury, Mass.-based DeMoulas Supermarkets for hazards at New
Hampshire stores. An inspection of the store
began after an employee sustained broken bones and head trauma when he
fell 11 feet to a concrete floor from an inadequately guarded storage
mezzanine. OSHA found that employees were exposed
to falls while working on top of produce coolers, freezers and storage
lofts that lacked adequate guardrails. Employees also were exposed to
laceration hazards from knives due to the grocery chain's failure to
conduct a hazard assessment and provide hand protection. DeMoulas
Supermarkets has also been issued citations for amputation hazards
stemming from a lack of procedures, training and equipment to ensure
that a meat saw and seafood cooler would not be activated while
employees were cleaning them, as well as hazards from exposed portions
of the saw's blade; inadequate training of powered industrial truck
operators; and a lack of bloodborne pathogen training for an employee
required to clean equipment and work areas contaminated with human
blood. Additional violations involve obstructed exit routes; a lack of
eye and hand protection and an emergency eyewash for employees working
with or near battery acid; a lack of chemical hazard communication
training for workers; and other hazards related to electrical equipment,
machine guarding and bloodborne pathogens...
October 17 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Steel Structures of Ohio for
endangering employees' safety and health; fines total nearly $148,000. Violations
were cited for failing provide refresher training to employees who
operate powered industrial trucks; inadequate energy control procedures;
to provide adequate guarding on equipment; lack of fit-testing and
medical evaluations for respirator use, failing to provide mandatory
respirator training, failing to provide a written hazard communication
program, storing flammable and combustible liquids in the open,
transferring flammable or combustible liquids without grounding and
bonding, failing to evaluate the workplace for hazards that necessitated
the use of personal protective equipment; exposing employees to
potential burns and smoke inhalation from a dust collector that
contained combustible dust; failing to install electrical equipment in
accordance with industry standards...
October 17 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Stollings, W.Va., company for exposing
workers to safety and health hazards; $59,400 proposed in fines. An
inspection at Mollett Welding and Mine Service Inc. welding and machine
shop facility revealed violations inadequate respiratory and hazard
communication programs; failure to provide clean, orderly places of
employment; spray area hazards; personal protective equipment
inadequacies; lockout/tagout program deficiencies; lack of first-aid
training and inadequate supplies; fire extinguisher issues; electrical
hazards; storage hazards; failure to inspect slings daily and remove
damaged slings; properly guard machines and adjust equipment, improper
use of compressed air for cleaning; ensure valve protection caps were in
place when compressed gas cylinders were not in use; store oxygen and
acetylene cylinders in separate places; incomplete OSHA 300A injury and
illness forms; lack of hot or tepid running water in a bathroom...
October 17 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Polar Service Center in Billings,
Mont., for exposing workers to variety of hazards; fines total $151,000. Violations
were cited for failing to utilize protective guards on equipment;
failing to implement hazard communication, hearing conservation and
adequate respiratory protection programs...
October 11 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Sifco Forge Group in Cleveland for 13
safety violations, proposes more than $84,000 in fines. Violations
were cited for failing to complete, document and certify annual
inspections of energy control procedures; failing to properly guard
machinery; provide training on lockout/tagout procedures to prevent
equipment from being unexpectedly energized; develop and maintain a
written fire safety program; develop and enforce the use of die setting
procedures for mechanical power presses, and examine powered industrial
trucks prior to each shift...
October 10 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $96,000 in fines for continued
workplace safety and health violations at 3 Lowe's stores in
Pennsylvania. The Carlisle store was cited for
permitting employees to use hazardous liquid chemicals without the use
of personal protective equipment, improperly modifying powered
industrial trucks, using flexible cords and cables as a substitute for
fixed wiring, and failing to properly label hazardous chemical
containers. The Hanover store was cited for violations involving several
electrical hazards, including failing to properly use listed or labeled
electrical equipment, using a flexible cord as a substitute for fixed
wiring and running a flexible cord through a hole in the wall. The store
also was cited for having an obstructed fire alarm pull station, which
previously was cited at other stores. The Palmyra store was cited for
failing to provide personal protective equipment to employees exposed to
hazardous liquid chemicals...
October 6 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $164,000 in penalties to
Georgia masonry contractor for violations at Sugar Hill and Conyers work
sites. An inspection resulted in citations for
failing to provide a platform with a guardrail and toe boards along all
open sides and ends; failing to supply ladders for employees to use when
accessing working levels of scaffolding; failing to provide eye and face
protection for workers who operate machinery; machine guarding
deficiencies; failing to certify that operators of a powered industrial
truck had been trained and certified; failing to develop and maintain a
written hazard communication program, maintain required copies of
material safety data sheets and inform workers about hazardous chemicals
in their work area...
October 5 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Karyall Teleday in Brooklyn, Ohio, for
respirable dust hazards and other violations; fines total $58,800. Violations
include overexposure of employees to respirable dust and failing to
provide personal protective equipment, exposure to combustible dust, a
lack of mandatory respirator training, a lack of fit-testing and medical
evaluations for respirator use, various electrical violations, not
providing proper guards on various machines to protect employees,
failing to develop lockout/tagout procedures for machinery to prevent
equipment from becoming energized unintentionally, and not providing
fork truck training...
October 4 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Future Environmental in Mokena, Ill., for
exposing workers to respiratory and other hazards; fines total more than
$122,760. Violations were cited for failing to
ventilate to eliminate or control respiratory hazards; failing to
provide personal protective equipment; failing to identify and evaluate
respiratory hazards; fit test and conduct medical evaluations for
respirator use...
September 29 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Wheels America in Schertz, Texas, for
exposing workers to multiple safety hazards. Wheels
America faces proposed penalties of $45,000 for exposing workers to
potential eye injuries and combustible dust hazards, among others. OSHA
inspectors found that workers were using equipment that was not properly
guarded and without the use of required personal protective equipment,
such as goggles. Additional violations involved failing to control fire
hazards, ensure that electrical cords were safely used, and keep the
work site clean and sanitary...
September 29 2011
Sears,
Roebuck and Co. in Huntsville, Ala., cited by US Department of Labor's
OSHA for safety violations; $128,000 proposed in fines. Violations
found during an inspection of the company's department store in
Huntsville include exposing workers to blocked exits, failing to post
signs along exit routes, failing to repair damaged racks that caused
stored merchandise to be unstable, failing to provide an adequate number
of exits in a stockroom, properly mark a door with a "not an
exit" sign, dispose promptly of flammable waste and failing to
provide a list of hazardous materials for its hazard communication
program...
September 29 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Koppers Inc. for safety hazards at
Somerville, Texas, work site; proposed fines total $78,100. Violations
include failing to maintain wire rope without damage, provide adequate
lighting while operating equipment at night, maintain areas of the
facility free of boards with protruding nails, provide safety markings
on winching equipment, failing to ensure that the work site was free of
dust accumulation, repair hydraulic leaks and remove defective powered
industrial trucks from service...
September 28 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Ecopax in Easton, Pa., for exposing
workers to safety and health hazards; fines exceed $57,000. Violations
include failing to maintain emergency lighting in the warehouse, provide
employees with training on operating procedures, provide employees
exposed to noise hazards with proper training and monitoring, provide a
complete mechanical integrity program for process equipment, implement a
change management procedure for the process safety program, develop and
implement a site-specific emergency action plan, provide employees
working on elevated surfaces with standard railing protection, ensure
that exit routes were not impeded, ensure that the employee alarm system
was functional, ensure that fire extinguishers were readily available
and employees were trained in their use, ensure that live electrical
parts were guarded against contact, ensure that flexible cords were used
appropriately, provide strain relief on flexible cords, properly store
material in a stable and secure manner, effectively close unused
openings in electrical boxes and properly cover each electrical outlet
box, and properly record injuries and illnesses in the OSHA
record-keeping log...
September 27 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Sumner, Texas, trailer manufacturers for
noise hazards, toxic fumes and other violations; fines total nearly
$950,000. OSHA inspectors found workers exposed
to unguarded machinery, fall hazards and accumulations of potentially
hazardous dust, among other violations. Employees were exposed to noise
levels above approved health standards, lacked fall protection for
employees working on stacked trailers, proper eye protection, and an
audiometric testing program. Audiometric testing is required when
employees are exposed to high noise levels to determine if their hearing
is being adversely affected. Additional violations include failing to
ensure that all spray booth areas were kept free from accumulated powder
coating, have all necessary lockout/tagout procedures and provide
required training, and ensure that medical evaluations were completed to
determine employees' ability to use respirators...
September 27 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Long Island, NY, swimming pool
manufacturer after worker injury; proposed fines exceed $106,000. The
U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
has cited Wilbar International for 20 alleged violations of workplace
safety standards after an employee's fingers were crushed while he was
feeding material into a power press at the company's plant. OSHA's
inspection identified numerous machine guarding and energy control
hazards. Inspectors also found the absence of a hearing conservation
program, electrical hazards, a blocked exit, and incomplete recording of
injuries and illnesses...
September 26 2011
Dixon
Ticonderoga plant in Macon, Ga., cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA
for safety and health violations; $64,000 proposed in fines. OSHA
began an inspection after receiving a complaint about possible hazards
and found a number of safety violations including: exit routes that were
inadequately lit and exit signs that were not illuminated at all;
propane containers that were stored improperly; materials that were not
stored in a safe manner to prevent sliding or collapse; not marking the
aisles where powered industrial trucks traveled and not keeping those
aisles free from obstruction. Additionally, the company did not develop
lockout/tagout procedures, grinding wheel guarding was inadequate;
electrical lacked covers or had improperly installed covers, conductors
entering boxes that were not protected from damage, splices in wiring
that were made improperly...
September 26 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Marietta Industrial Enterprises in
Marietta, Ohio, after worker's death at recycling facility.
OSHA opened an inspection after a worker was found dead inside the
rotating drum assembly of a machine used to screen recyclables from
other refuse on March 30. Violations involve failing to implement
lockout/tagout procedures to prevent equipment from becoming
unexpectedly energized and to train workers in lockout/tagout
procedures. Other violations involve failing to provide machine
guarding, provide adequate guardrails, mark and illuminate emergency and
exit signs, evaluate the workplace to determine if there were any
confined spaces that would require permits, examine powered industrial
trucks prior to each shift, ensure that employees used electrical
protective equipment, provide electrically insulated tools, develop an
exposure control plan for bloodborne pathogens, offer hepatitis B
vaccines and label biohazard containers...
September 21 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Georgia wooden pallet manufacturer for 18
safety and health violations, proposes nearly $88,000 in penalties.
Safety violations involve machine guarding issues, failure to
ensure that electrical boxes had covers and conduct an annual
maintenance inspection of fire extinguishers and failing to establish a
program to test the hearing of workers exposed to loud noises.
Additional safety violations involve lockout/tagout program
deficiencies, failure to provide employees using chainsaws with leg
protection, properly light exit signs, and ensure fire extinguishers
were readily available and visually inspected each month, and electrical
hazards. "Management must take a proactive approach to recognizing
and eliminating workplace hazards that jeopardize the safety and health
of employees," said William Fulcher, director of OSHA's
Atlanta-East Area Office...
September 20 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites operator of Pick 'N Save grocery in
Brookfield, Wis., after worker suffers leg fracture from fall. Proposed
fines total $126,000. OSHA initiated an
inspection after a worker who was riding on the forks of a powered
industrial truck fell and sustained compound fractures. The violations
involve exposing a worker to a recognized fall hazard while lifted on a
forklift that did not have an approved personnel elevating platform, and
failing to train and evaluate employees in the safe operation of powered
industrial trucks...
September 16 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $175,500 in fines to Metal Fabrication
plant for 38 alleged safety violations following worker injury. An
inspection was opened after OSHA learned that a worker sustained serious
eye and facial injuries when the grinding wheel of the portable grinder
he was operating ruptured and kicked back in his face. Inspectors found
that the grinder was not guarded or set up properly, and steps had not
been taken to ensure that it was operated at the proper speed.
"This is exactly the type of needless injury OSHA standards are
designed to prevent," said Jeffrey A. Erskine, OSHA's area director
for Middlesex and Essex counties in Massachusetts. "Portable hand
tools are just as dangerous as large machinery if they are not properly
maintained and used." The inspection also uncovered other hazards
throughout the plant...
September 13 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites 50 safety violations, proposes $917,000 in
fines against adhesives manufacturer following Middleton, Mass.,
explosion. OSHA's inspection identified several
serious deficiencies in the company's process safety management program,
a detailed set of requirements and procedures employers must follow to
proactively address hazards associated with processes and equipment that
involve large amounts of hazardous chemicals. Additionally the plant was
found to have a range of other conditions, including an incomplete and
deficient emergency response plan, inadequate training for employees
required to fight fires, obstructed exit access and electrical hazards...
September 8 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $176,000 in fines against Stowe
Woodward LLC for hazards at Concord, NH, plant. Inspectors
found several instances where operating machinery – including
grinders, extruders and lathes – lacked proper guarding to prevent
workers from coming in contact with moving parts. The machines also
lacked adequate procedures to lock out their power sources to prevent
unintended startup during maintenance. Additional violations involve a
lack of frequent crane inspections, ungrounded fans, inadequately
guarded grinders, propane cylinders stored near an exit door, blocked
access to an electrical disconnect panel, respiratory protection
deficiencies, failure to inspect forklifts and inadequate record
keeping...
September 7 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Bedford Heights, Ohio, event and party
rental company for 19 safety violations; proposed fines total $154,000.
Violations involve failing to train employees in the use of
powered industrial trucks and causing a potential electrocution hazard
by providing damaged extension cord sets to be used in wet locations
without ground fault circuit interruption protection. Additional
violations involve fall hazards, unguarded wall openings and stairs,
failing to evaluate the workplace for hazards that necessitate the use
of personal protective equipment, failing to provide equipment for fall
protection as well as eye and face protection, failing to develop and
implement a hazard communication plan, failing to develop a written
emergency action plan, failing to keep aisles clear for powered
industrial trucks and as emergency exit routes, failing to have fire
extinguishers readily available, inspect the extinguishers monthly and
conduct fire extinguisher training, as well as to mark load ratings for
the floor and space if used for storage purposes...
September 6 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $121,000 in fines to
Rite Aid of New York for hazards at Brooklyn store. An
inspection identified several hazardous including an emergency exit
blocked by garbage and debris, merchandise stacked in an unsafe manner,
electrical panels blocked by cardboard and totes containing merchandise,
an ungrounded electric power strip and employees exposed to an
electrical hazard while stacking stock. Additional violations include a
stairway to the basement storage room that was too steep, too narrow and
lacked slip resistant treads; an 8-foot fall hazard for employees
standing on the top of a ladder to store stock; boxes of merchandise
used to prop open an emergency exit door; the absence of portable fire
extinguishers in a basement storage room; and the lack of a working
interlock to prevent a box crusher from operating while its door was
open...
September 1 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Anchor Hocking in Lancaster, Ohio, for 12
safety violations after maintenance employee suffers amputation injury.
OSHA opened an investigation after an incident in which a
worker's right index finger became caught in the sleeve of the glass
former press stem while he was performing maintenance and was amputated.
Workers had not been trained in recommended "lockout/tagout"
procedures for isolating the energy sources of machines to prevent their
accidental operation. Anchor Hocking LLC faces $113,800 in proposed
fines for the violations. Additional violations involve failing to
annually inspect lockout/tagout procedures; to protect employees from
falls off of an open-sided work platform; to document and train
employees in adequate lockout/tagout procedures; to affix locks to hold
isolation devices in the safe or "off" position; maintain the
OSHA 300 log of work-related injuries and illnesses for 2010; adequately
record injuries in the OSHA logs...
August 31 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines Burris Logistics for safety and health
hazards at Harrington, Del., warehouse.
Proposed penalties total $76,005 for violations including exposing
employees to electrical hazards due to the company's failure to properly
mark voltage panel boxes; properly guard voltage junction boxes and
cover live electrical parts; failing to consult employees, including
contractors, on the process hazard analysis and other elements of
process safety management; failing to provide appropriate process safety
information; provide appropriate operating procedures regarding safe
shift changes, shutting down and starting up; document that the oil
drain valve for one of the process pressure vessels complied with
recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices; address
considerations related to fluctuations in ammonia levels; conduct
inspections to maintain system mechanical integrity; implement a plan
for emergencies involving a potential ammonia release; provide written
procedures for employees engaged in maintenance activities; place
electrical equipment in an approved location; not conducting annual
hearing tests...
August 30 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Marshfield DoorSystems in Wisconsin after
employee is injured by conveyor belt lacking proper machine guards.
The company faces penalties of $46,200 after a worker's hand became
caught in an ingoing nip point on a conveyor belt line in March,
resulting in contusions, abrasions and friction burns. A violation was
cited for failing to train workers in lockout/tagout procedures to
control energy sources for equipment. Additional violations involve
failing to inspect energy control procedures within the past year and to
install guarding to protect workers from an exposed nip point on the
conveyor...
August 29 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Ohio Aluminum Industries in Garfield
Heights, Ohio, for 14 safety citations; proposed fines exceed $60,000.
Violations involve failing to provide machine guards on the bandsaw
blade; failing to properly ground equipment; failing to provide personal
protective equipment such as aluminized aprons and mesh screen face
shields to protect against burns;
exposing workers to continuous noise beyond the permissible eight-hour
noise exposure limit; failing to implement engineering controls to
reduce noise; allowing wood dust to accumulate on the floor and surfaces
in the pattern shop creating the potential for an explosive dust hazard; and
failing to implement explosion protection measures for equipment and
exhaust ventilation systems in which there is a potential for a
combustible dust explosion or fire...
August 24 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Altamont, NY, manufacturer for repeat,
serious and other hazards; proposes more than $49,000 in fines.
Violations involve a storage cabinet for flammable liquids that did not
meet fire resistance requirements, insufficient lockout/tagout, blocked
and unmounted fire extinguishers, a lack of fire extinguisher training,
a nonworking horn on a powered industrial truck, unguarded machinery,
respiratory protection insufficiencies, a lack of an effective hearing
conservation program, incomplete or incorrect recording of occupational
injuries, tripping hazards...
August 23 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Georgia plastic manufacturer for 11 safety
violations, proposes more than $51,000 in penalties.
Violations involve failing to develop lockout/tagout procedures;
unguarded equipment; slip and trip hazards; open holes on junction boxes
located throughout the plant; not labeling the purposes of the breakers
on the electrical panel; obstructing access to the electrical panels;
exposing electrical parts on equipment; not wiring a fan directly to a
switch; flexible cords being used as permanent wiring; failing to
certify monthly inspections of hooks for an overload crane...
August 22 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Plainfield, NJ, aluminum railing company
for exposing employees to safety and health hazards; penalties total
$51,480. The citations are based on an
inspection initiated by OSHA in March. F&C Professional Aluminum
Railing Corp., which manufactures aluminum railings for residential and
business use, has 19 employees. Violations involve hazards associated
with exposure to chemicals above recommended limits; a lack of
respiratory protection, including respirator use, fit-testing, medical
evaluation and training; a lack of a written hazard communication
program; a lack of material safety data sheets; improper labeling of
temporary containers; failure to provide employees who use respirators
on a voluntary basis with necessary information...
August 18 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Georgia company for exposing employees at
Dayton, NJ, facility to amputation hazards.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration has cited Norcross, Ga.-based Rock-Tenn Co. for exposing
workers at its Dayton facility to amputation hazards caused by unguarded
rotating equipment parts. OSHA initiated an inspection under its
National Emphasis Program on Amputations that resulted in a citation
carrying a $55,000 penalty. Rock-Tenn Co. manufactures corrugated
shipping containers and employs 104 workers at its Dayton location...
August 18 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Alabama manufacturer for combustible dust
and other hazards; proposes nearly $55,000 in fines.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration has cited Intercontinental Packaging Inc. for 24 safety
violations at the company's Opelika plant, including exposing workers to
hazards associated with combustible dust, among others. OSHA conducted
an inspection in May as part of its national emphasis programs on
combustible dust and amputations, and a regional emphasis program on
powered industrial trucks. Violations involve improper housekeeping;
having improper electrical classification in the area of dust buildup;
failing to provide standard guardrails on a platform; not training
employees on the use and care of personal fall equipment; failing to
train workers on the use of powered industrial trucks; not maintaining
forklifts properly by having seatbelts installed; exposing employees to
machine guarding hazards; failing to have a written hazard communication
program addressing chemical hazards; not having a strain relief for
flexible cords and cables; and deficiencies associated with
lockout/tagout procedures intended to prevent equipment from starting up
unexpectedly; deficient record keeping; failure to provide employees
using respirators voluntarily with information contained in the
respirator standard...
August 17 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Ashland, Ohio-based Americarb for safety
violations after workplace fatality; proposed penalties total
$194,400. OSHA initiated an inspection at
Americarb Inc., a graphite machining company, after an employee was
fatally injured when he was struck in the stomach by debris from
machinery. Violations involve a failure to have proper machine
lockout/tagout procedures to prevent equipment from unexpectedly
starting up; failure to have proper point-of-operation machine guarding
in place; using compressed air with pressure of more than 30 pounds per
square inch; allowing workers to stand between an operating forklift and
fixed objects; lack of proper record keeping; not providing employees
with required respirator standards...
August 17 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Swedesboro, NJ, company for exposing
employees to safety hazards.
Proposed penalties total $51,000 following OSHA's March 10 inspection.
Citations were issued for the company's failure to ensure workers were
wearing safety glasses and ensure the proper level of compressed air was
used for cleaning. Additional penalties were issued for electrical
hazards; failing to perform monthly inspections of hoist chains and
hooks, including signed reports; and failing to perform periodic crane
inspections...
August 16 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Crown Battery Manufacturing Co. in
Fremont, Ohio, for exposing workers to lead; fines total $97,000.
Violation were cited for allowing employees to dry sweep in areas where
lead is used and processed, overexposing employees to lead; lacking
engineering controls for lead exposure; and failing to test the
under-the-hook lifting device and mark its capacity, exposing employees
to struck-by hazards...
August 9 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites American Pulverizer Co. in St. Louis,
Mo., for 33 safety violations; $121,100 proposed in fines.
OSHA's inspection of the reduction equipment manufacturing facility was
initiated in February under a local emphasis program focused on
electrical safety in general industry establishments. The inspection
found a lack of grounding continuity in electrical equipment. Additional
hazards cited were associated with cranes, lockout/tagout of energy
sources, powered industrial trucks, electrical equipment, flammable
liquids and gas, welding, housekeeping; machine guarding; and a
record-keeping deficiency....
August 9 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Georgia coffee and tea manufacturer for
combustible dust, other hazards; proposes more than $46,000 in fines.
Violations involve the company's failure to install isolation devices on
the dust collector system to prevent fires and explosions; keep steel
beams and floors free of dust accumulation; and develop and implement an
emergency action plan and training in the use of fire extinguishers.
Additionally, the facility lacked guardrails and standard railings on
fixed stairs; the company did not evaluate permit-required confined
spaces; an energy control program for employees maintaining and
servicing equipment was not in place; training for forklift operators
was not provided; the facility lacked an eyewash station; employees were
not provided with hand protection against heat and cuts; compressed air
was improperly used to clean equipment; machinery on the packaging line
lacked machine guards; a bench grinder was improperly adjusted; the
electrical panel box had exposed wiring; and flexible cords were
improperly used as permanent wiring. Additional violations involve not
maintaining OSHA-required logs of workplace illnesses and injuries; not
clearly marking an exit door with the word "exit"; not
providing employees who voluntarily wore respirators with a medical
evaluation; not keeping the area in front of the electrical panel free
of storage; and suspending electrical outlets that were intended by the
manufacturer to be mounted...
August 8 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Englewood, Colo.-based Meadow Gold
Dairies and subcontractor for hazardous chemicals, PPE and other
violations; penalties total $326,300. An
inspection of the facility was conducted under OSHA's Site-Specific
Targeting program for high-hazard work sites as well as its national
emphasis program on facilities with hazardous chemicals...
August 8 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites MM Industries in Salem, Ohio, for
machine guarding, PPE and other violations; fines total more than
$102,000. MM Industries was also cited for
overhead storage issues, lack of emergency lighting; failure to
implement and train workers in lockout/tagout procedures; not removing a
punctured and torn synthetic web sling from service; failing to inspect
cranes; lacking a written respiratory protection program; failure to
have a written hazard communication program; failing to identify and
label containers of hazardous chemicals; failing to cover lacquer
containers; constructing a spray booth of flammable materials; not
providing information and training to employees on hazardous chemicals
in the workplace; and failing to properly maintain the OSHA 300 injury
and illness log...
August 8 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Dick's Sporting Goods for safety
hazards at Queensbury, NY, location Pennsylvania-based retailer
faces $57,300 in fines, urged to examine safety at other stores. OSHA
inspectors found that workers at the Queensbury store were periodically
required to enter a trash compactor that had not first been de-energized
in order to remove cardboard blockages. Additionally, the store lacked
the means and procedures for employees to enter and work safely in such
a confined space, and training was not provided on the hazards and
safeguards associated with work in a confined space. Additionally,
access to fire extinguishers was blocked and employees were not trained
in how to use fire extinguishers in the event of a fire. "Even in a
retail outlet, employees can be exposed to deadly or disabling hazards
if the proper safeguards and training are absent, as they were
here..."
August 4 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA issues notices for abrasive wheel machinery,
saw and other other safety hazards. OSHA has
issued notices for 37 safety and health violations following inspections
of the U.S. Army's Fort Bragg installation that was conducted as part of
OSHA's Federal Agency Targeting Inspection Program. Two safety
violations involve hazards related to abrasive wheel machinery used at
the base. Tongue guards were missing and work rests were improperly
adjusted, exposing employees to the hazard of shrapnel from shattered
wheels...
August 3 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Clifton, NJ, manufacturer for lack of
forklift training, noise exposure and other hazards. OSHA
has cited Safas Corp., which employs about 25 workers, after OSHA
initiated an investigation based on a referral from the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection, which alleged strong solvent
odors. Proposed penalties total $135,000. Violations involve the
company's failure to provide workers with forklift training and a
hearing conservation program. Additional violations include blocked
exits, an unsecured forklift propane cylinder, failure to provide
personal protective equipment; an eye wash facility; fire extinguisher
training; proper housekeeping; a lockout/tagout program to prevent the
inadvertent start-up of machinery; a hazard assessment; and a hazard
communication program...
August 3 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Alabama fan fabricator for machine
guarding, locked exit doors and other violations; proposes nearly
$45,000 in penalties. Violations involve safety
latches missing from crane hooks, lack of machine guards, improper
adjustments and missing parts on a grinding machine, locked exit doors
and missing exit signs. Additionally, employees operated a forklift
without completing training or being evaluated to determine their level
of competence, and the forklift had been modified without the
manufacturer's written approval; a control for the overhead crane was
improperly marked; fans accessible to employees had gaps that allowed
workers to be caught in the mechanism; noncombustible or flameproof
screens were not provided where welding was being performed adjacent to
other workers; splices on welding cables were improperly made;
electrical, extension cord and flexible cord violations, and lack
of an energy control program. Additional violations were cited for
failing to complete reporting of injuries and illnesses on the OSHA logs
for 2008 and 2009; allowing scrap materials to accumulate on the shop
floor; allowing scrap material to accumulate where a forklift was
operated; and not inspecting the overhead crane...
August 3 2011
Allentown,
Pa., company faces $110,880 in fines for exposing workers to noise and
other hazards. OSHA initiated an inspection
under a local emphasis program focused on follow-up inspections and
noise hazards. Violations reflect the company's failure to maintain
required records, conduct a baseline audiogram for an employee
overexposed to noise hazards, conduct annual hearing conservation
training for employees overexposed to noise hazards, conduct adequate
forklift operations and ensure equipment had proper machine guards in
place to protect employees, failure to develop and utilize documented
energy control procedures; provide training to employees utilizing
energy control procedures; provide a proper eye wash for employees,
provide machine guards on equipment; maintain copies of material safety
data sheets for all chemicals; maintain clear and unobstructed exit
routes; maintain exit doors and illuminated exit signs in proper working
order; educate employees in fire extinguisher use; maintain forklifts in
safe operating condition; and implement controls to reduce employee
exposure to occupational noise...
August 2 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Birmingham, Ala., manufacturer for
flexible cord and other violations; proposes more than $56,000 in
penalties. Homeland Vinyl Products faces proposed
penalties of $56,400 involving using flexible cords that had been
spliced, not properly labeling 55-gallon drums of chemicals and not
attaching warning labels to other chemical containers, having floor
openings that were uncovered, open areas not guarded by standard
railings, not providing proper railings, failing to mark passageways to
indicate path of travel for mechanical equipment, machines were not
anchored to prevent vibration and movement, improperly adjusted grinding
wheel...
August 1 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Georgia-based contractor for health and
safety violations following employee death due to chemical overexposure. The
U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
has cited Stockbridge-based Creative Multicare Inc. with five serious,
two willful and one other-than-serious violation following the February
death of a worker who was exposed to excessive amounts of methylene
chloride while using the chemical to remove paint from a bathtub
surface. The employee, who was working in a small bathroom at the
Lakeshore Apartments in Clarkston, was found dead on the floor...
August 1 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Fairfield, NJ, manufacturer for exposing
workers to chemicals, other hazards; proposed penalties total $59,290. Some
of the serious violations include employee exposure to methylene
chloride; failing to provide proper guards on machines and equipment;
properly use and install equipment; provide leak detection and
provisions to contain spills and safely dispose of materials
contaminated with methylene chloride; ensure stairway handrails were the
correct height and exit routes had the correct clearance; ensure signs
directing travel to an exit route were clearly visible; properly dispose
of combustible rags; properly store propane containers; implement a
lockout/tagout program to prevent machinery from unexpectedly starting
up while workers perform servicing and maintenance; provide fire
extinguisher training and ensure fire extinguishers were properly
mounted and identified; conduct preventative maintenance on cranes;
develop and implement a chemical hazard communication program; provide
appropriate protective gloves; provide emergency eye wash facilities;
maintain copies of material safety data sheets for hazardous materials
in the workplace and make them accessible to employees for each work
shift; provide truck operators with training and evaluation prior to
operation of the vehicle; and provide information to employees
voluntarily using respirators...
August 1 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Putnam, Conn., manufacturer for safety and
health hazards; more than $121,000 in fines proposed.
OSHA's inspection identified a variety of hazards that can occur in a
manufacturing environment, including improper storage and dispensing of flammable liquids;
inadequate personal protective equipment; no
annual fire extinguisher training; unguarded operating machine parts;
several electrical-related hazards; and lack of a hearing conservation
program. Additional violations were cited for improperly maintained
OSHA illness and injury logs...
July 27 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Northeastern Wisconsin Wood Products for
18 safety and health violations; fines total nearly $379,000.
Health violations involve failing to implement a hearing conservation
program; perform and certify a hazard assessment of the workplace;
develop and implement a hazard communication program to include training
for employees; maintain copies of material data sheets; and provide
appropriate eye protection for workers. Additionally, the company
allowed unsanitary conditions to pose serious fire and explosion hazards
by letting sawdust accumulate...
July 27 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites 2 companies at Hamilton, Ala., plant for
failing to label hazardous chemical containers and other hazards;
proposes more than $112,000 in fines.
Additional violations included not requiring employees working with
corrosive chemicals to wear eye, face, hand or body protection; failing
to have an eyewash station or other means available for drenching; not
protecting a battery charger from being damaged by trucks; failing to
secure and balance crane loads; missing machine guarding; an electrical
disconnect switch that was not readily accessible; inadequate hearing
protection program; failing to provide an evaluation of confined space
rescue and emergency services...
July 27 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Pearce Foundry in Prairieville, La., for
exposing workers to respirable silica, excessive
noise and other hazards. Pearce Foundry Inc.
faces proposed penalties totaling $158,200...
July 26 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Jamesville, NY, lumber mill for
Lockout/Tagout violations following worker's death.
B&B Lumber faces a total of $152,100 in proposed fines following the
Feb. 7 death of a worker at the Jamesville sawmill. The worker, who was
changing the blades on an edging saw, was killed when another employee
inadvertently started the saw. OSHA's inspection found that the saw's
power source had not been locked out, as required by OSHA's hazardous
energy control, or "lockout/tagout," standard. That standard
mandates that machines be shut down and their power sources locked out
before employees perform maintenance. "This is exactly the
type of needless and devastating occurrence that the hazardous energy
control standard is designed to prevent. One unintended or unknowing
turn of a machine's 'on' switch can end a worker's life in seconds...
July 26 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Advantage Powder Coating in Defiance,
Ohio, for lack of machine guarding following worker death. Company
placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
Advantage Powder Coating faces total proposed penalties of $159,600
following an inspection resulting from the January death of a pedestal
grinder operator who was killed when the abrasive wheel on the grinder
exploded and struck the operator on the head. Violations were cited for
a lack of properly adjusted safety guards and work rests on pedestal
grinders. Additional citations include failing to have underhung cranes
marked with rated load capacity; mark hook-lifting devices with rated
capacity; provide identifying information for slings; and provide
machine guarding on abrasive wheel machinery; record-keeping violations
including failure to record work-related injuries that occurred in 2008
and 2009. OSHA has placed Advantage Powder Coating in its Severe
Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up
inspections to ensure compliance with the law...
July 26 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Brenner Tank Services of Wisconsin for
lack of machine guards and protection from respirable dust, other
hazards. Company faces proposed penalties of $114,000.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration has cited Brenner Tank Services in Mauston for failing to
guard the point of operation on the shear so that operators were
prevented from reaching the danger zone while the shear was being used.
Additional violations include failing to have a point-of-operation guard
on a press brake; overexposing employees to respirable crystalline
silica while sandblasting; lack of engineering controls to reduce silica
exposures below the permissible exposure limit; not running exhaust
through a dust collection system; allowing dust to accumulate outside of
the blast enclosure; failing to evaluate respiratory hazards; failing to
conduct medical evaluations for workers using respirators; respirator
couplings not being compatible with air hose couplings; failing to
ensure surfaces were kept as free as possible of hexavalent chromium;
lack of hazard communication training; failing to sample employees
expected to have the highest hexavalent chromium exposure levels...
July 20 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Philadelphia-based FixtureOne for 44
workplace safety and health violations. The
manufacturer of institutional furniture faces proposed penalties total
$169,400 following an inspection that began Jan.10. Violations include
an inadequate hazard communication program; a lack of machine guarding;
use of electrical equipment in an unapproved area; and the company's
failure to conduct a medical evaluation for use of respirators,
implement a respirator program, and provide appropriate respirator
fit-testing. Additional violations include a lack of machine guarding
and personal protective equipment; electrical hazards; a lack of housekeeping;
failure to properly store respirators; provide safe egress; provide
training for employees operating forklifts; provide mandatory
information to employees who voluntarily wear respirators while
conducting paint spraying operations...
July 18 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Delta Oilfield Tank Co. Safety
and health procedures found lacking at Fort Morgan fabrication facility. Proposed
penalties total $52,760 after an OSHA inspection revealed that employees
were exposed to hazards associated with improper confined space entry
procedures; lack of appropriate eye protection; not training workers on
hazardous chemicals; improper use of lifting equipment; lack of proper
training for fork truck use; failure to conduct regular inspections of
overhead cranes; using an improper fall protection system; failure to
label electrical circuit panels; and not providing an appropriate
respiratory protection program for spray painters...
July 18 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Ohio-based West Troy Tool &
Machine for 11 safety violations after worker injured by power press. West
Troy Tool & Machine Inc. in Troy faces penalties totaling $52,500 after
a worker suffered crushing injuries from a power press.
Violations involve not following lockout/tagout standards to isolate
energy sources in order to prevent the unexpected energization of
machinery. Other violations involve failing to have an energy control
program, provide machine guarding on saw blades and pinch point
equipment, provide supervision of power press operation, properly set up
and maintain point-of-operation guards, operate presses in a proper safe
mode, provide air pressure switches for clutches and counterbalance
systems on presses, use hand tools to remove stuck work or scrap and
conduct inspections of presses...
July 18 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Sayreville, NJ, manufacturer for repeat
workplace safety violations following amputation. The
U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
has cited Sabert Corp. following an incident in which a worker's finger
was amputated at its Sayerville facility. The violations involve failing
to ensure equipment was turned off and properly guarded to prevent
contact with moving parts during servicing operations. Sabert Corp.,
manufactures plastic products for the food packaging industry, employs
about 308 workers. Proposed penalties for the citations total $70,000...
July 15 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Voorhees, NJ, printing company for
exposing workers to inadequate machine guarding and other hazards. AFL
Web Printing faces penalties totaling $170,000 for failing to provide
proper machine guarding to protect workers. Additional violations
involve failing to ensure listed or labeled equipment was used in
accordance with instructions, and to conduct a periodic inspection of
lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources to safeguard workers from
the unexpected startup of machinery during servicing or maintenance.
Other violations include failing to properly post exit signs; properly
store gas containers; conduct a personal protective equipment hazard
assessment; provide employees with chemical resistant gloves, safety
goggles and face shields; provide fire extinguisher training; ensure
machines were securely anchored; develop lockout/tagout procedures;
conduct monthly and annual inspections of equipment; remove damaged or
defective items; close unused junction box openings; and provide a cover
or faceplate for junction boxes; failing to properly label chemical
containers; create a summary of illness and injury logs, and complete
these logs in detail; record the injury of a temporary worker; and
maintain a separate OSHA Form 300, the log of work-related injuries and
illnesses, for each establishment...
July 11 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites T & D Metal Products in Watseka, Ill.,
with 4 safety violations after 2 workers suffer amputations. OSHA
has placed T & D Metal Products in its Severe Violator Enforcement
Program and proposed penalties totaling $214,830 after two workers
suffered amputation injuries at the company's Watseka metal stamping
facility. Violations include failing to lock out/tag out hazardous
energy sources prior to performing maintenance operations and to have
point-of-operation guarding on press brakes. Another safety
violation was cited for failing to use safety blocks when dies were
being adjusted and repaired...
July 11 2011
Georgia
school bus manufacturer agrees to pay employee more than $176,000 to
settle whistleblower case brought by US Department of Laborn. The
case allegedly began when Blue Bird required the employee to use a
bucket lift truck to install Christmas wreaths for the company. The
employee requested training in the operation of the equipment, resulting
in a disagreement with management over whether the employee was trained.
That disagreement led to the employee's termination. An OSHA
whistleblower investigation found that the employee was illegally
terminated for refusing to work under unsafe conditions...
July 5 2011
Mississippi's
Howard Industries cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for safety
violations following fatal worker electrocution. The
U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration
has cited Howard Industries Inc. in Ellisville following the January
death of a worker. Violations related to the fatality include not
requiring employees to use work safety practices when dealing with live
electrical circuits, and failing to use locks and tags when
de-energizing test equipment. Additional violations include failing to
develop specific lockout/tagout procedures, failing to conduct a
personal protective equipment hazard assessment; failing to provide
machine guarding on the press brake and the welder...
July 5 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Bethel, Conn., machine shop for repeat and
serious hazards, proposes more than $55,000 in fines. DCG-PMI
has been cited for slipping and tripping hazards from the accumulation
of oil and grease on walking and working surfaces around machines; not
conducting workplace hazard assessments to determine personal protective
equipment needed by employees; failing to evaluate powered industrial
truck operators every three years; a lack of chemical hazard information
and training; and four instances of incomplete recording of injuries or
illnesses; inadequate ventilation for employees performing cleaning
operations with alcohol; unsecured gas cylinders; incomplete personal
protective equipment training, the lack of an annual or periodic review
of hazardous energy control procedures; a defective fork truck;
unguarded ends of a buffer; unlabeled chemical containers...
June 30 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites company in Galva, Ill., for failing to
provide respirator protection; fines exceed $167,000. All
Feed Processing and Packing Inc. was cited for repeatedly failing to
provide respirators to workers and monitor their exposure to respirable
dust at its Galva pet food research and packaging facility. Violations
were cited for failing to provide a respirator to protect workers
exposed to total dust in the production facility; exposing workers to
total dust at concentrations in excess of the permissible exposure
limits; failing to implement adequate engineering controls when
employees performing work activities were exposed to total dust; failing
to identify and evaluate respiratory hazards in the workplace and make a
reasonable estimate of employees' exposure to respiratory hazards...
June 30 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Springs Transmission and Automotive for
exposing workers to variety of workplace hazards. Proposed
fines total $76,000 for violations including employee exposure to
unstable and unsafe vehicle lifts; hazards associated with chemical
handling; improper electrical systems; unstable storage of materials and
improper machine guarding; improper fire control during welding
operations; inadequate personal protective equipment and a broken garage
door; deficient record keeping and first-aid supplies...
June 29 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Quality Stamping Products for failing to
report amputations, lack of hazard communication and training and other
violations. Company faces $426,100 in penalties, placed in
OSHA's severe violator programs. Violations included failing
to train employees in safe work methods; ensure adequate guards and
lockout/tagout procedures and training; lack of proper chemical hazard
communication and training; failing to perform a required workplace hazard
assessment; ensure employees had appropriate eye protection; train
employees in the use of portable fire extinguishers; conduct performance
evaluations for employees who operate powered industrial trucks; complete
annual crane inspections; exposing employees to excessive noise; various
electrical safety hazards; and failing to keep adequate records. OSHA has
placed Quality Stamping Products Co. in its Severe Violator Enforcement
Program, initiated in June 2010, which mandates targeted follow-up
inspections to ensure compliance with the law...
June 28 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites R & B Grinding Co. in Racine, Wis., for
safety and health violations; nearly $106,000 proposed in fines. The
manufacturing company faces penalties of $105,930 after investigators
found that foot pedals for machines were not protected from accidental
operation. Additional violations include exposing workers to struck-by
hazards; having an inadequate lockout/tagout program; modifying a forklift
without the written permission of the manufacturer; lacking adequate
machine guarding; missing electrical switch covers and other electrical
violations; failing to provide audiograms for all employees with noise
exposure and to provide employees with hearing conservation training;
failing to provide strain relief on electrical cords; failing to provide a
written respiratory program, medical examinations and fit-tests to
employees required to use respirators....
June 28 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY,
for asbestos, chemical and other hazards; $48,000 in fines proposed. The
hospital faces a total $48,000 in proposed fines after OSHA's inspection
found that the hospital failed to provide adequate asbestos training for
environmental staff and employees in the engineering department who
perform demolition and renovation. Nor did it inform outside contractors
of the presence of potentially asbestos-containing material in and around
their work area. It also failed to properly label asbestos-containing
insulation and floor tile, and allowed disposal of asbestos-containing
material in the hospital dumpster. Additionally, the hospital failed to
train trade employees on the hazards; provide them with material data
safety sheets; and develop a written hazard communication program for
cleaners, lubricants, acetylene, naptha and other hazardous chemicals.
Furthermore, the inspection found improper storage of compressed gas
cylinders and electric shock hazards from exposed and improperly spliced
wiring. Four other violations were cited for incomplete OSHA 300 illness
and injury logs...
June 28 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Somerville, Mass., commercial laundry for
safety hazards following worker injury. Royal
Institutional Services Inc., faces a total of $49,935 in proposed fines
after la mechanic sustained a crushing hand injury while lubricating the
chain of an ironer machine that was running. OSHA's inspection found that
the machine had not first been de-energized and had its power source
locked out before maintenance was performed, as required by the agency's
hazardous energy control or "lockout/tagout" standard. In
addition, employees authorized to perform maintenance were not effectively
trained to safely perform such activities, and were not evaluated to
ensure that they used and understood adequate energy control procedures.
OSHA cited Royal Institutional Services for for the lack of energy control
procedures; lack of effective training and evaluation; and lack of
documented lockout procedures for a machine...
June 28 2011
Lumber
company cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for safety and health
violations following fatal electrocution. Proposed
penalties total $41,310 following the death of a worker who was
electrocuted at the company's Fulton sawmill while troubleshooting a
malfunctioning starter inside a motor power control center. Violations
include failing to train employees on work safety practices and allowing
unqualified employees to work on energized equipment; inadequate guarding
of energized parts; having a damaged electrical cord on a footswitch; not
properly grounding a floor fan; failing to adequately protect electrical
cables; storing oxygen cylinders less than 20 feet from gas cylinders;
failing to separate and store oxygen cylinders away from combustible
material; exposing workers to burns and struck-by hazards from unsecured
acetylene cylinders; failing to take precautions to protect the propane
gas system from vehicular damage; having an unguarded shaft end; failing
to post and provide employees with a copy of the noise standard, and to
include the chemical inventory in the company's hazard communication
program...
June 27 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Caterpillar Inc. for failing to lock out
equipment; fines total $66,000. The company was
cited for failure to implement lockout/tagout provisions for the equipment
after an employee was injured while attempting to clear a jam. Violations
include failing to train employees on lockout/tagout procedures , to affix
a lockout or tagout device to isolate energy and to provide a lockout or
tagout device to employees...
June 27 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Delta Granite and Marble in San Antonio for
exposing workers to excessive levels of respirable silica, other hazards. Delta
Granite and Marble employs approximately 38 workers and manufactures
custom countertops for residential and commercial applications. OSHA's
inspection was part of the agency's National Emphasis Program for
Crystalline Silica, which was developed to reduce occupational exposure to
respirable silica. Proposed penalties total $42,000 after the inspection
revealed that the company failed to ensure that airborne levels of
crystalline silica met established health standards, to provide an
effective hearing conservation program, to ensure employees wore
protective footwear, to ensure that appropriate hand protection such as
gloves were utilized, to ensure compressed air used for cleaning did not
exceed 30 pounds per square inch; to ensure that audiograms contained
information on employee job classifications...
June 24 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Waco, Texas, manufacturing company with 29
serious workplace violations. OSHA initiated an inspection
in response to a complaint alleging unsafe working conditions resulting in
proposed penalties totaling $161,100. Violations cited include failing to
develop and implement a respiratory program; develop a plan to avoid
employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens; provide an area for employees
to wash their eyes; provide hazard communication training to employees
working with hazardous and toxic chemicals; adequately guard rotating
belts, pulleys, chains and sprockets from pinch points and at the point of
operation; and provide covers on junction, outlet and transformer
boxes....
June 22 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites El Paso, Texas, manufacturing facility
for exposing workers to safety and health hazards. Proposed
penalties total $96,000 for violations that include failing to maintain
a workplace in a clean and orderly manner; maintain an effective hearing
conservation program; provide eye protection for employees; properly
guard machinery; ensure forklift operators were certified; address
electrical hazards; develop and document procedures for an energy
control program and certify annual injury and illness logs...
June 21 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites MedPlast for workplace safety
and health hazards at West Berlin, NJ, facility. Proposed
penalties total $72,000 for violations including the company's failure
to ensure exits were unblocked; provide eye protection approved by the
American National Standards Institute; provide written energy source
lockout/tagout procedures; train employees on fire extinguishers;
provide proper forklift training and ensure the training was certified;
conduct inspections on powered industrial equipment; visibly mark a
crane's rated load, and conduct monthly inspections on hoist chains and
hooks; provide machine guarding; ensure grinder work rest and tongue
guards were properly adjusted close to the wheels; ensure compressed air
was reduced to 30 pounds per square inch; store oxygen and acetylene
fuel gas cylinders separately; provide proper light fixture guarding;
conduct noise monitoring; provide audiometric testing for employees
overexposed to noise; and provide noise training. Additional violations
relate to the company's deficiencies with OSHA Form 300, the Log of
Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses; failure to properly mark plastic
spray containers containing liquids with their contents...
June 21 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Fort Lauderdale, Fla., manufacturer,
proposes penalties totaling $94,200, following workplace amputation
incident. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational
Safety and Health Administration has cited Jefco Manufacturing Inc.
following an incident in which a worker suffered an amputation of three
fingers while operating a mechanical power press. Violations include
exposing workers to unguarded machinery and failing to have adequate
guarding on the hydraulic brake press, which exposes employees to hand
amputations. Additional violations include exposing workers to flying
pieces of metal...
June 21 2011
Mississippi
recycling company cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA following
worker's double amputation. The U.S. Department of
Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Triple P
Farms Inc. after an incident in which a worker had both legs amputated
when his foot got caught in a baling machine as he attempted to clear
cardboard that had jammed in the machine. Proposed penalties total
$73,500 for violations including failing to develop an energy control
program for employees performing servicing and maintenance on equipment;
failing to provide energy control training; failing to certify that each
forklift operator had been trained and evaluated; and allowing the fixed
stairs' height and width to be uneven...
June 20 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Englander mattress manufacturer in
Rome, Ga., with serious safety violations; proposes nearly $46,000 in
penalties. OSHA began its inspection as part of its
Site-Specific Targeting Program, which focuses enforcement efforts on
industries that report higher-than-average injury rates. Alleged
violations include improper storage of oxygen and acetylene compressed
gas cylinders, fire extinguishers not mounted or identified, a
malfunctioning emergency exit sign, walking and storage areas cluttered
with flammables and heavy equipment, missing machine guards on
equipment, a drill press that was not secured to prevent movement during
operation, improperly adjusted bench grinders and allowing an employee
to operate a forklift with nonfunctioning emergency brakes, multiple
electrical hazards; inadequate PPE...
June 20 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Houston-based Schumacher Co. for
exposing workers to hazardous chemicals; fines total $166,500.
In response to a referral, OSHA initiated a safety and health inspection
and found multiple violations include failing to require employees to
wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as chemical aprons,
sleeves/gauntlets and footwear; provide guarding for belts and pulleys;
develop and implement specific machine lockout/tagout procedures;
failing to fit-test employees for respirators...
June 20 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $59,400 in penalties to San Antonio
tortilla company for machine guarding, hearing conservation and other
hazards. Serious violations include failing to ensure
machine guarding for chains, sprockets and belts, as well as on a drill
press and horizontal lathes; correct electrical deficiencies, such as a
lack of face plates on electrical plugs; maintain the manufacturer's
identification and markings on panel boards; ensure fire extinguishers
are accessible and fully operational; failing to provide a hearing
conservation program when noise levels reach past the action level of 85
decibels for an 8-hour time weighted average...
June 20 2011
Atlanta
wood and metal products manufacturer cited by US Department of Labor's
OSHA for safety and health violations. Levent
Industries faces proposed penalties of $49,000 following a February
health inspection that began as part of a national emphasis program on
silica hazards. It was later expanded to include a safety inspection
after investigators identified alleged safety hazards. The company was
cited for exposing workers to explosive hazards; using compressed air at
greater than 30 pounds per square inch to clean equipment; having an
emergency door that could not open quickly enough in case of fire;
having a lockout/tagout program for energy sources that lacked
machine-specific procedures; lack of adequate machine guards; electrical
hazards; failure to provide a hazard communication program for
employees; not having a portable fire extinguisher that was mounted to
allow employee access; not establishing a hearing conservation program;
and not establishing a written respiratory protection program for
employees...
June 14 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites San Antonio company for exposing
workers to amputation hazards. The U.S. Department of Labor's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Bimbo Bakeries
USA in San Antonio following a safety and health inspection at the
company's work site in San Antonio after investigators found workers
exposed to numerous workplace hazards. The investigation was part of
OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Amputations. Proposed penalties
total $55,000. The violations include failing to provide appropriate
machine guarding on equipment; provide guarding for belts, pulleys and
keyed shaft ends; and ensure electrical deficiencies were maintained,
including exposed electrical wiring and improperly grounded cords.
Additionally, the employer failed to provide procedures and methods to
control hazardous energy for equipment with multiple energy sources...
June 14 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Cooper Tire and Rubber, 2 contractors
in Tupelo, Miss., for combustible dust and other hazards OSHA
proposes nearly $255,000 in penalties. Violations
include failing to provide protection from fires and explosions in the
plant's ductwork, particle size separators, dust collectors and conveyor
systems; failing to install equipment and use wiring methods that were
approved specifically for hazardous locations; failing to replace or
repair defective safety latches on a hoist; failing to use a standard
guardrail to protect employees from dangerous equipment, provide
employees with fixed stairs that have uniform steps, provide standard
railings on all fixed industrial stairways, mark electrical equipment to
indicate its purpose, provide adequate work space in front of electrical
equipment, use permanent wiring in place of flexible cord wiring and
properly splice flexible electrical cords. Additionally, combustible
dust was present in the handling systems, and air guns using compressed
air for cleaning were operated at too high a velocity...
June 14 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes more than $1.9 million in fines
against Alabama lumber mill for exposing employees to amputations and
other safety violations.
OSHA began an inspection on Dec. 15, 2010, in response to a complaint
that employees working in the planer mill were exposed to amputation
hazards while maintaining, cleaning and clearing jams on pieces of
machinery that did not have their energy sources locked out to prevent
their unexpected start up. OSHA has issued Phenix Lumber for failing to
deficient lockout/tagout procedures including: failing to train
employees how to shut down and lock out the machinery so that they could
perform their tasks safely; failing to issue locks to employees as
required by the lockout standard...
June 13 2011
Marshall
Durbin Cos. cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for safety and health
violations following worker fatality. The company faces proposed
penalties of $120,000 after
a worker was fatally struck by a tractor trailer while filling potholes
near the plant entrance. This led to a comprehensive OSHA inspection of
the plant resulting in citations for exposing workers to struck-by hazards
by not requiring them to wear high-visibility clothing and by not
implementing traffic control measures. Additional violations include
missing mid-rails from stair railings, not adequately illuminating exit
routes, failing to have proper machine guarding and not mounting
electrical junction boxes to a structure, allowing emergency responders
wearing respirators to have beards, permitting unsanitary bathrooms,
failing to label hazardous chemicals, exposing workers to unguarded
rotating gear shaft ends, not labeling electric circuit breaker panels,
using a flexible conduit in wet locations that was not waterproof, and
exposing employees to corrosive material without facilities for quick
drenching or flushing of the eyes...
June 13 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Ft. Atkinson, Wis., company for
inadequate respiratory protection and other hazards; fines total $70,000.
In addition to employee overexposure to respirable dust and failure to
implement a respiratory protection program the company was also found to
have improperly stored hazardous chemicals, open sided platforms,
damaged storage racks, a missing tongue guard on a grinder, a compressed
air gun that registered over 30 pounds per square inch...
June 10 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites DC Fabricators for exposing workers to
safety hazards at Florence, NJ, facility. Proposed
penalties total $82,800 after OSHA initiated an inspection as part of
its Site-Specific Targeting Program. Violations include failing to
provide proper fall protection; provide a standard handrail for stairs
that had no more than four risers; provide nylon slings that were not
defective; provide proper machine and equipment guarding; provide proper
eye protection; provide protection from rays for employees working near
welding operations; ensure fixed stairs leading to an access door were
installed properly; ensure gas cylinders were secured and stored
separately; ensure equipment was properly adjusted; ensure an electrical
panel box was properly installed; and ensure flexible cords were used
properly...
June 10 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Amityville, NY, metal fabrication shop
for unguarded machinery and other hazards. Simtek Inc.,
an Amityville metal fabrication shop, faces a total of $66,600 in
proposed penalties following the injury of an employee who lost five
fingers when his hand became caught in an operating roller machine.
OSHA's inspection found several instances of unguarded moving machine
parts, including rollers, belts, pulleys and a saw blade. The inspection
also identified incomplete or missing energy control procedures
necessary to prevent the unintended startup of presses and other
machines while employees performed maintenance on them; several
electrical hazards, including ungrounded electrical circuits and cords,
power cords exposed to damage and misused electrical equipment and
cords; unmounted fire extinguishers; blocked exit access; and a locked
exit door...
June 9 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Cinnaminson, NJ, manufacturer for
worker exposure to chemical, other hazards.
OSHA initiated an inspection at Integrated Laminate Systems as part of
its Site-Specific Targeting Program, which focuses on industries with
high injury and illness rates. As a result, the company faces proposed
penalties of $49,000 for employee exposure to airborne concentrations of
methylene chloride above the permissible exposure limit; employee
exposure to a crushing hazard while travelling in a work platform
attached to an powered industrial truck; Class I flammables dispensed
into containers that were not electrically interconnected to the nozzle;
use of flexible cords and cables as a substitute for fixed wiring; and
employee use of compressed air set at 120 pounds per square inch to
clean off work surfaces and their bodies. Additionally, the company
failed to identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard in the workplace
and conduct air monitoring for employees exposed to methylene chloride;
provide appropriate respiratory protection; require employees to use
appropriate hand protection when working with chemicals; provide body
and face protection; develop, document and utilize procedures for
lockout/tagout of energy sources; singularly identify lockout devices;
provide an eyewash station and shower; implement engineering controls;
establish a respiratory protection program; establish a regulated area
for employees working with methylene chloride; provide medical
surveillance to employees working with methylene chloride; provide
training to employees regarding hazards of methylene chloride; and
provide fire extinguisher training...
June 7 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines AK Steel Corp. $206,000 for
record-keeping violations at Butler, Pa., facility. Company failed
to record outcomes indicating hearing hazards for workers.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration has cited AK Steel Corp. for record-keeping violations
related to potential hearing hazards at its Butler Works facility. OSHA
initiated an inspection in response to a complaint alleging
under-recording of injuries. The violations address the company's
failure to record standard threshold shifts on the OSHA 300 Log when
employees' hearing tests revealed that they experienced a work-related
STS and the employees' total hearing level was 25 decibels or more above
audiometric zero. Additional violations were cited for the company's
failure to properly record other work-related injuries and illnesses...
June 7 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Summit Point, W.Va., wood pallet
manufacturer for workplace safety hazards.
OSHA initiated an inspection at Burch Wood Products Inc. on Feb. 1 as
part of its National Emphasis Program on Amputations. Burch Wood
Products Inc. manufactures wood pallets and has 12 employees. Proposed
penalties total $58,200 for the company's failure to provide machine
guarding; provide personal protective equipment; develop or implement a
written hazard communication program; provide training for employees who
operate powered industrial trucks; properly maintain lavatories and
portable fire extinguishers; provide employees with training on the
proper use of portable fire extinguishers; implement an effective
hearing conservation program...
June 6 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Alabama lumber company with 24 safety
and record keeping violations; proposes nearly $160,000 in penalties.
OSHA began an inspection as part of its national emphasis program to
prevent workplace amputations. Citations were issued for lockout/tagout
hazards, failure to maintain complete and accurate entries in its OSHA
log, and 13 other violations...
June 6 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Alabama auto parts manufacturer for
safety violations; proposes more than $179,000 in fines.
Saehaesung Alabama Inc. in Andalusia has been cited for numerous safety
violations including deficient lockout/tagout procedures for energy
sources and lack of training; for not providing training and information
to employees on hazardous chemicals; allowing employees to work where
exit routes were partially blocked; safety issues related to slings;
unsafe use of equipment; and not maintaining required inspection records
for equipment...
May 26 2011
Administrative
law judge upholds OSHA citation affirming that musculoskeletal disorder
should be recorded on OSHA 300 Injury and Illness Log.
May 26 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites facility for improper use of step
ladders, slip hazards, and an inadequate Emergency Response Plan.
Proposed penalties total $61,000...
May 23 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Rite Aid Pharmacy for blocked emergency
exits at Brooklyn, NY, store; proposes $60,500 fine.
May 18 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Dalton, Ga., carpet graphics company with
safety and health violations, proposes penalties of $45,000. Violations
include hazards related to fire, tripping and electrical deficiencies, as
well as several identified in OSHA's local emphasis program on forklifts,
such as allowing employees to operate a forklift truck that had missing
and damaged parts, not providing training on safe operation of forklift
trucks and not conducting daily inspections of the forklift truck. The
amputation violations cited are identified in OSHA's National Emphasis
Program on Amputations. Additionally, a violation was cited for not
developing a hazard communication program for employees using chemicals
capable of causing eye and skin irritation. Quality Graphics Inc. employs
approximately 19 workers...
May 16 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Republic Engineered Products for repeatedly
exposing workers to fall and energy control hazards at Lorain, Ohio,
facility Proposed penalties total $563,000. OSHA
began the inspection of the Lorain facility in November 2010 after a
worker was hospitalized with a broken pelvis when he fell 9 feet from a
coil transfer car in the bar mill. Violations include failing to protect
workers from fall hazards and implement adequate energy source
lockout/tagout procedures to prevent injury from hazardous equipment;
exposing employees to falls from the car and an unguarded platform;
failing to affix lockout/tagout devices to control the unexpected
energizing of equipment; failing to train employees in lockout/tagout
procedures; specify the procedural steps necessary to lock out electrical,
hydraulic and gravitational energy sources for the coil transfer car; and
isolate all hazardous energy sources. The company also has been placed in
OSHA's Severe Violators Enforcement Program...
May 16 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites US Postal Service facility in West Palm
Beach, Fla., for forklift and other violations; face more than $164,000 in
fines. Violations include failing to appropriately mark
aisles on the loading dock where forklifts were operating; exposing
employees to being struck by the forklifts; allowing employees on the
loading dock to operate a dumper at the edge of the dock without fall
protection; exposing them to a fall of 50 inches; blocking aisles with
mail cages; preventing employees from quickly evacuating in case of a
fire; exposing workers to fall and electrical hazards by requiring them to
climb a ladder and reach over with a wooden pole in order to use
disconnect switches for battery chargers; incorrectly labeling containers
used to store waste oil and solvents in the battery and oil waste room;
and failing to perform monthly inspections with certification records of
the hoist chain on the overhead crane that moved batteries weighing up to
3,000 pounds. Additional violations include requiring forklifts to turn
and travel in areas on the loading dock that were not kept clear of mail
carts, thus exposing workers to being struck by the forklifts, and
obstructing the exit route near the loading dock with boxes and equipment,
decreasing the capacity of the exit route in case of evacuation...
May 16 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Huntsville, Ala., cabinet maker for exposing
workers to safety and health hazards, including combustible dust. Proposed
penalties total $54,000 after OSHA conducted an inspection in January as
part of its National Emphasis Program on Amputations. The
cabinet maker was cited for failing to keep walls, floors and equipment
clean and free from the accumulation of combustible dust; allowing more
than 60 gallons of flammable liquid to be stored in cabinets; not
selecting the correct personal protective equipment for workers handling
chemicals; failing to have a lockout/tagout program to prevent accidental
energy start-up; not having standard railings on the stairs; several
electrical deficiencies; amputation hazards associated with a lack of
machine guarding; not providing hearing tests for employees exposed to
noise levels over the permissible exposure limit; failing to develop a
respiratory protection program; exposing workers to respirable dust 3.6
times the permissible exposure limit; lacking a hazard communication
program for handling hazardous chemicals and failing to visually inspect
fire extinguishers at least monthly...
May 12 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Talladega, Ala., metal fabricator for
safety and health violations; penalties total more than $48,000. Weaver
and Sons Inc.. a steel fabrication and sheet metal shop was cited for
failing to conduct medical evaluations of employees who were required to
wear respirators; not acting to protect workers from exposure to iron
oxide fumes above the permissible exposure limit and failing to monitor
exposure to chromium, which OSHA detected on lunch tables. Additional
violations include the company allegedly allowing employees to use a
lathe, drill press, band saw, mechanical power press and milling
machines that lacked the proper guarding to prevent employees from being
pulled into the machines; using compressed air for cleaning machinery
that was stronger than the required pressure; using electrical equipment
not in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions; allowing use of
a damaged electrical cord; and allowing an uncovered opening in the
electrical panel. Other violations included stairs that lacked rails,
exit doors not marked, spray booths not protected with automatic
sprinklers, using a lacquer thinner of less than a flashpoint of 100
degrees Fahrenheit used to clean spray nozzles and equipment, not
performing frequent crane inspections and not load-testing a hook after
it had been welded, include failing to maintain a log of injuries and
illnesses, allowing abrasive blasting dust to accumulate on exterior
floor of the blasting booth and having an inoperable pressure
measurement instrument...
May 12 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $93,500 in fines to US Postal Service. The
Postal Service faces a total of $93,500 in proposed fines following an
OSHA inspection prompted by complaints. OSHA found exit routes blocked
by bins, carts, boxes and other equipment, and electrical control panels
blocked by carts and bins. In addition, fire extinguishers were not
mounted and readily available for use, floor expansion joints and other
areas where powered industrial trucks are operated were not maintained
in good condition, and required refresher training was not provided to
an employee who operated a powered industrial truck...
May 11 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Bill Smith Auto Parts of Urbana, Ill., for
20 safety and health violations; fines total $49,000. Violations
include a lack of a work rest on grinder machinery; failing to properly
store compressed gas cylinders; modifying powered industrial trucks for
noncertified uses; not providing guarding on pulleys and other equipment
lower than 7 feet from the floor to prevent struck-by hazards; and not
removing damaged cords and electrical equipment from use. Additional
violations were cited for failing to have a written respirator program,
develop and implement a hazardous communications program, mark hazardous
material containers properly, have material data safety sheets available
for hazardous materials in use and conduct hazardous chemical training,
unsanitary conditions in restrooms, and failure to post visible "no
smoking" signs in areas where flammable materials were present...
May 11 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes nearly $47,000 in fines, cites Orange,
Conn., metal fabricator for repeat and serious violations. An
OSHA inspection prompted by an employee complaint found improper storage
of materials in a flammable storage cabinet, failure to provide annual
training and fit-testing for all employees who use respirators, failure
to provide chemical hazard communication training to employees working
with chemicals, lack of an emergency eye-wash or shower, and face
shields or goggles for employees working with corrosive chemicals;
incomplete respiratory protection procedures; improper storage of
materials in a paint spray booth; and an unsecured paint mixer.
Additional violations were cited for incomplete record keeping and lack
of a "no smoking" sign for the paint room...
May 11 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Wheeling, Ill., appliance distributor for
11 safety violations; fines total $49,000. Violations
include failing to implement a written respiratory protection plan,
including training; ensuring employees were medically evaluated to wear
and fitted for respirators; properly store and maintain respirators;
implement a hazardous communications plan; ensure forklift operators
were properly trained; implement written electrical safety procedures;
de-energize electrical panels prior to maintenance; and provide personal
protective equipment, such as eye and head protection and insulated
tools, when working near electrical components. Additional violations
were cited for failing to properly identify hazardous chemical
containers...
May 11 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA issues proposed fines of $176,400 to Cargill
Meat Solutions in Dodge City, Kan., for lockout/tagout and other
violations. Violations address a lack of machinery
anchorage; improperly used flexible cords; hazards associated with
process safety management; fall protection; access and egress;
lockout/tagout of energy source; material storage; personal protective
equipment; machine guarding; electrical deficiencies; compressed gas
cylinders and hazard communication...
May 10 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Alpharetta, Ga., sign manufacturer for
workplace hazards, proposes $89,000 in fines. The
company was cited for exposing workers to fire hazards by permitting
spray painting to be performed near welding operations; for allowing
flammable material to be stored near an emergency exit; failing to
regularly inspect fire extinguishers; failing to implement a fire
extinguisher training program; failing to separate the storage of oxygen
and acetylene in a production area; failing to maintain information
sheets for chemicals employees used in the production area and failing
to develop a hazard communications program. The company also was cited
for a number of electrical violations, such as permitting the use of
extension cords with visible defects, not marking electrical panels,
blocking electrical panels and disconnects with stored materials, and
allowing electrical panels with missing breakers. Another citation was
issued for failing to implement a respiratory protection program for
employees wearing tight-fitting respirators...
May 10 2011
Minnesota-based
Best Buy cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for safety violations
following worker injury at store in Duluth, Ga.
Penalties total $76,000 for the Best Buy Co. Inc. store on Pleasant Hill
Road in Duluth after a worker suffered severe head injuries from a fall.
The employee was stacking televisions on a storage rack while standing
on an elevated powered industrial truck's platform when it suddenly
tilted and caused the employee to fall approximately 12 feet. Violations
include failing to provide personal protective equipment that fit the
employee and guardrails for a 12-foot fall hazard; allowing
modifications to a powered industrial truck without manufacturer
approval by taping shut the drive limit switch; failing to properly fill
out the OSHA 300 log of workplace-related injuries and illnesses in
2008; and failing to certify the log in 2008 and 2009...
May 9 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Reyes Automotive Group in San Antonio for 13
workplace violations, proposes $55,800 in fines. OSHA's
San Antonio Area Office initiated a safety and health inspection on Jan.
5 at the company's facility on Lone Star Pass where employees were
manufacturing trim components used in the automotive industry. Violations
include failing to ensure electrical bonding and grounding in pneumatic
conveying systems for combustible dust; provide and ensure that adequate
personal protective equipment such as face shields and insulated gloves
were used to prevent burns; provide the required machine guarding for
the drill press, milling machines and horizontal lathe; provide a
relocatable power tap in place of permanent wiring; and conduct air
monitoring to determine employees' exposure to methylene chloride.
Additional violations include failing to post a load rating on a
mezzanine used as overhead storage and office space, and ensure fire
extinguishers were subjected to an annual maintenance check...
May 9 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Focus Direct in San Antonio for exposing
workers to amputation hazards, proposes $83,000 in penalties. OSHA's
San Antonio Area Office initiated a safety and health inspection on Dec.
22, 2010, at the company's facility on Broadway Street, which found that
employees were exposed to unguarded rollers on printing presses.
Violations include failing to provide adequate machine guarding of
printing presses, provide training on energy control procedures, ensure
adequate training to render first aid and ensure that all electrical
components were maintained. Additional violations were cited for failing
to ensure electrical cords were in working order, free from strain
relief and failing to record an injury on the OSHA 300 log within seven
days of a recordable incident and ensure that fire extinguishers were
readily accessible...
May 9 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Alabama canopy company for exposing
workers to fall hazards; proposes more than $200,000 in fines. Chapman
Canopy Inc. has been cited with 12 safety violations, chiefly for
exposing workers to fall hazards while installing canopies in Pinson,
Albertville and Tuscaloosa. In November 2010, OSHA began its inspection
at a work site in Pinson as part of a regional emphasis program focused
on fall hazards. Inspectors observed workers being exposed to fall
hazards while installing a canopy at a new gas station. Later
inspections were conducted at job sites in Albertville and Tuscaloosa,
which revealed similar fall hazards. Penalties were issued for exposing
workers to overhead hazards by failing to ensure head protection was
worn; failing to fully plank the scaffold platform; failing to have fall
protection for employees working from a scaffold; using the top step of
a ladder to gain access to the top of the scaffolding; not having a safe
entry and exit to the upper level of the canopy; not extending the
ladder 3 feet above the top of the canopy to prevent falling during
transition from the ladder to the canopy...
May 3 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites The Model Pattern and Foundry Co. of
Cincinnati with 32 safety and health violations. The
Model Pattern and Foundry Co. of Cincinnati faces penalties of $82,170
following a February inspection. Violations include failing to properly
guard machinery and electrical hazards, have safety procedures for
locking out equipment to be serviced, have proper hearing conservation
protocols, provide and ensure the use of proper personal protective
equipment by workers, failing to make records required by OSHA readily
available to inspectors and to assess workplace hazards to determine
adequate protective equipment needed for employees...
May 3 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Orval Kent Foods of Delphos, Ohio, for 11
safety violations following worker injury. The U.S.
Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has
cited Orval Kent Foods Co. Inc. in Delphos after a worker suffered a
puncture wound from a drill press in December 2010. Ten serious
violations include various fall hazards, a lack of personal protective
equipment, failure to train employees on lockout/tagout procedures to
prevent accidental energy start-up, a lack of machine guarding,
unsecured shelving units, failure to use electrical equipment in
accordance with approved uses and leaving a forklift unattended while
the engine was running; and failing to properly record and adequately
describe injuries in the OSHA 300 log...
May 3 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Compco Industries of Columbiana, Ohio, for
24 safety violations including lack of machine guarding, other hazards. Compco
Industries Inc., a metal stamping company in Columbiana, has been cited
with multiple violations after a worker had his finger amputated by a
mechanical power press last August. Violations include failing to have
adequate machine and point of operation guarding on the mechanical power
press; failing to implement a lockout/tagout program to prevent
machinery from becoming unexpectedly energized; failing to properly
record and adequately describe injuries in the OSHA 300 log...
May 3 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Parker Hannifin facility in
Mississippi with 33 safety and health violations, proposes more than
$487,000 in fines. Citations cover such
violations as allowing the air pressure to exceed more than 30 pounds
per square inch for cleaning equipment, failing to conduct periodic
inspections of the lockout/tagout process in place to prevent accidental
energy start-up, failing to train workers on lockout/tagout procedures,
failing to unblock exit doors and routes, failing to provide machine
guarding and failing to correct electrical deficiencies. Other
violations included failing to attach hazardous warning labels to five
dipping tanks that contained hazardous substances; exposing employees to
struck-by hazards due to a defective safety latch on a hoist and damaged
hooks on an overhead crane; allowing unapproved electrical equipment to
be used in a hazardous location where flammable chemicals were present;
failing to remove and replace spiral stairs with a conventional
stairways; failing to post signage indicating the direction of travel to
the nearest exit; failing to provide a danger permit-required confined
space sign; failing to mark a web sling with the rated load capacity;
and failing to require workers to wear goggles or suitable eye
protection while welding. Two health-related citations cover failing to
establish an effective hearing program and to provide personal
protective equipment...
May 2 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Georgia masonry company with 13 safety
violations, proposes $51,300 in penalties. An OSHA
investigation found employees permitted to work on a level that lacked
full decking, spaces between boards that were too great, a platform end
that extended more than 12 inches, overlapping boards that were not
nailed to prevent displacement, cross braces that were not secured,
employees climbing scaffold components rather than using a ladder,
damaged scaffold boards, uncovered reinforced steel, a lack of fall
protection, a lack of employee training on scaffold safety and the fact
that a competent person did not erect the scaffold. Additionally, the
employer allowed workers to use cinder blocks and plywood to increase
their working height, unstable work platforms that exposed them to fall
hazards...
April 26 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Buffalo, NY, recycler for health and
safety hazards following worker injury. Buffalo
Recycling Enterprises LLC faces over $60,000 in fines for multiple
hazards after an employee's arm was severely lacerated when it became
caught in a conveyor belt that activated while he was trying to clear a
paper jam. OSHA's inspection determined that the conveyor had not been
de-energized and had its power source locked out before the employee
attempted to clear the jam, and that the area supervisor had not ensured
that the employee was clear of the hazard before activating the machine.
The inspection also found that neither the employees who cleaned up the
worker's blood after the accident nor those whose duties involve the
sorting and disposal of needles and other potentially infectious sharps
had received training in bloodborne hazards. In addition, the facility's
bloodborne pathogen program had not been reviewed and updated, annual
refresher training had not been provided to workers, the hepatitis B
vaccine was not made available and sharps were disposed of improperly.
Finally, the facility did not develop and implement a monitoring program
for noise exposure when required. Additional citations were issued for
incomplete illness and injury logs...
April 26 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Webb-Stiles of Alabama for repeat, serious
safety and health violations; proposes more than $69,000 in fines. OSHA
issued Webb-Stiles of Alabama citations for failing to conduct periodic
inspections of the energy control procedures for employees performing
servicing and maintenance on equipment, and machine guarding hazards.
The agency also issued the company citations for exposing employees to
slip, trip and fall hazards; electrical deficiencies; not having
handrails on stairs; and failing to provide workers with flameproof
screens and shields. Health-related violations include an insufficient
eyewash station and not offering the Hepatitis B vaccination series to
designated first aid responders. Additional violations include damaged
electrical cords, unprotected work lamps, a missing electrical cover,
not providing a medical evaluation to an employee performing spray
painting operations wearing a half-mask respirator, and the employee not
being fit-tested to wear a half-mask respirator...
April 25 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Georgia sheet metal fabricator with 42
safety and health violations following fatality. OSHA
began an inspection in October 2010 after an employee died when he was
crushed by a large steel frame weighing approximately 1,550 pounds. Don
Park is engaged in sheet metal work for custom fabrication of air
conditioning ducts and air distribution systems. Proposed penalties
total $127,200. The company has been cited for failing to exercise
caution or planning when moving heavy, unstable loads in a vertical
position. The company has received citations for hazards associated with
forklifts lacking seatbelts, machinery lacking guards to protect workers
from amputations, lifting equipment not designed or tested for the loads
being moved, numerous electrical deficiencies exposing workers to
possible shocks, and a lack of training for employees in lockout/tagout
procedures and the control of hazardous energy. Additionally, an
emergency exit was locked, exit routes were obstructed and inadequately
lighted, and employees lacked training in the use of forklifts.
Additional violations included allowing employees to operate plasma
cutting equipment without adequate personal protection equipment,
failing to notify the agency of a fatality within eight hours of the
event, properly store gasoline and a gasoline-oil mix, visually inspect
fire extinguishers at least monthly, subject fire extinguishers to an
annual maintenance check, conduct daily inspections of forklifts, label
liquefied propane gas cylinders to identify the chemical content, label
same cylinders to identify the hazardous nature of the chemicals,
failing to complete OSHA logs in sufficient detail, train employees in a
hazard communication program, establish a respiratory protection program
and provide employees who voluntarily wear respirators with sufficient
information about the respirators as required by OSHA regulations...
April 20 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $229,400 in penalties to China Grove,
Texas,
bakery for worker exposure to combustible dust, electrical and other
hazards following finger amputation. OSHA initiated a
safety and health inspection following a finger tip amputation incident.
OSHA conducted a second safety inspection began as the result of a fire
that occurred from excessive buildup of bread materials in the ovens and
another following a report that employees were being exposed to
excessive levels of noise and not being protected by a hearing
conservation program. Violations include failing to ensure that
employees were protected from falls; to clean combustible dust from
workroom floors and other surfaces; to cover drain openings; to ensure
that exits were free from obstructions and unlocked; and to ensure
electrical deficiencies were corrected. Citations were also issued for
failing to ensure that a metal junction box was permanently mounted in
accordance with the listing and labeling required by the manufacturer;
failing to record each work-related injury or illness case that met
general recording criteria, and complete an incident report form for
each work-related injury or illness case that met the general recording
criteria...
April 19 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Stone Mountain, Ga., beauty manufacturer
with serious violations, proposes more than $45,000 in penalties.
Violations include failing to provide guardrails where fall hazards were
greater than 4 feet; have lockout/tagout procedures to prevent
accidental start-up of machinery; conduct training for the
lockout/tagout program; apply an energy isolation device to equipment
that was being serviced; provide training for powered industrial truck
operators; properly store oxygen and acetylene cylinders; ensure
electrical equipment was used correctly and the junction box was affixed
to a secure surface; allow material to be stored in front of electrical
panels; permit electrical panels with unused openings to expose live
electrical parts; and use electrical receptacles unapproved for damp or
wet conditions. Additional health citations include failure to perform a
hazard assessment of personal protective equipment; allowing employees
to wear tight-fitting respirators without a written respiratory
protection program; failure to provide employees with a medical
evaluation who were wearing a tight-fitted respirator; failure to ensure
employees wearing respirators were fit-tested prior to use or when there
was a change in physical appearance; and provide retraining for
employees wearing respirators...
April 19 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Adel, Ga.-based Aluminum Finishing with
safety violations, proposes nearly $126,000 in fines.
Safety citations were issued for exposing employees to amputation
hazards from a lack of machine guarding on production machines; for
exposing workers to fall, electrical and confined space entry hazards;
failing to provide an emergency response plan to potential chemical
spills; and allowing employees to improperly use compressed air to clean
equipment. Additional citations were issued for not installing
directional signs in the warehouse; not conducting medical evaluation
and training of employees who were voluntarily using full face and half
mask respirators; not informing employees of confined space dangers and
not re-evaluating employees trained as forklift operators after three
years...
April 19 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites cleaning products manufacturer for safety
and health violations at Lawrenceville, Ga., plant. Company fined
more than $128,000. Aluminum Finishing was issued
one citations for exposing employees to fall hazards; failing to have
employees use fall protection while working above dip tanks, ensure
emergency lighting is operational, guard live electrical equipment,
cover open troughs to prevent tripping and provide sanitary conditions
for workers. Additional citations were issued for allowing employees to
work near a dip tank without the proper eye or face protection; exposing
workers to shock, electrocution and burn injuries; not properly
adjusting the work rest on the floor grinder; and having an emergency
eye wash unit with inadequate water pressure. The inspection also
revealed that workers were exposed to struck-by hazards from corroded
ceiling objects, including sprinkler system pipes, metal wall sheathing
and light fixtures. The company also received citations for failing to
establish or implement a written respiratory protection program, anchor
the floor grinder to the floor and mount a portable fire extinguisher...
April 18 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Johnstown, NY, company for 20 safety and
health hazards following worker injury. Pearl Leather
Finishing, which supplies finished and cut leather products, was cited
following an October 2010 incident in which an employee's hand became
caught in a press. OSHA's inspection found that the press lacked
adequate guarding which would have prevented workers from coming in
contact with its point of operation. The inspection also identified
several other instances of unguarded or inadequately guarded machinery
as well as a lack of procedures, tools and training to ensure that
machines were shut down and their power sources locked out before
employees performed maintenance on them. Additional hazards identified
during the inspection included lack of a hazard assessment to determine
personal protective equipment needed by workers, lack of protective
eyewear, lack of a written respirator program and medical evaluations,
blocked fire extinguisher access, lack of a chemical hazard
communication program, electrical hazards, a fall hazard, lack of a load
rating for an overhead storage area and excess pressure for a compressed
air hose. The company also was cited for inaccurately recording an
injury...
April 18 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $126,000 in fines against Plattsburgh,
NY, manufacturer for 31 safety and health violations.
OSHA found plant employees exposed to a variety of fire and explosion
hazards stemming from accumulations of combustible dust, inadequate
ventilation, improper storage and handling of flammable liquids, lack of
an approved spray booth, use of an inappropriate liquefied petroleum
gas-powered vehicle in a location containing flammable liquids, not
training employees in fire extinguisher use, missing exit signage and
lack of an emergency action plan. Additional hazards include lack of
personal protective equipment to shield workers' bodies, eyes, faces and
hands from chemical hazards; inadequate respiratory protection; fall and
electrical hazards; lack of a hazard communication program and training;
and failure to rate the load lifting capacity of a hook and carrier beam
for overhead cranes used to lift molds. The company also was issued for
incomplete illness and injury logs...
April 15 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Lowe's Home Centers for 13 violations
following inspection at Castle Rock, Colo., store Proposed penalties
total $82,700. Seven violations were cited for
numerous inaccuracies in required injury and illness record keeping, and
with electrical safety issues involving access to equipment and damage
to wire insulation. Additional violations were related to issues with
emergency exits, machine guarding and installation of proper electrical
receptacles, failure to perform a personal protective equipment
assessment, failure to properly label hazardous chemicals and lack of
detail on required record keeping...
April 14 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Pocahontas Aluminum in Arkansas for safety
and health violations, proposes more than $154,000 in penalties.
OSHA's safety inspection found 10 serious and five repeat safety
violations. A health investigation yielding nine serious violations was
opened Nov. 15, 2010, based on a referral from the safety inspection.
The serious safety violations include failing to provide proper machine
lockout/tagout procedures, repair damaged work platforms, and adequately
store ladders. Health violations include failing to provide employees
with proper personal protective equipment, adequately assess the
facility under the hearing conservation program and include emergency
response personnel under the bloodborne pathogens program...
April 13 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites North Arlington, NJ, chair manufacturer for
exposing workers to safety and health hazards, including combustible
dust. Sterling Seating Inc. faces $117,600 in fines for
34 workplace health and safety violations at its North Arlington
facility, including exposing workers to combustible dust hazards.
"Combustible dust, with its fine particulate composition, has the
ability to create an explosive atmosphere and rapidly engulf a facility
in fire," said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights Area
Office. "The accumulations of combustible dust must be removed, and
a program must be put in place to prevent any potential build up from
occurring." In addition to the combustible dust hazards, violations
cited include failing to provide a lockout/tagout system to control the
release of hazardous energy, ensure exits were unblocked, protect
employees from electrical and chemical hazards, provide proper machine
guarding, provide respiratory protection, and monitor formaldehyde and
methylene chlorine exposure. Citations also included failing to record
injury and illnesses on the OSHA 300 log and to provide workers with
information on respirator limitations...
April 13 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Howard Industries of Columbus, Ohio, with 23
safety violations for electrical and other hazards.
Howard Industries allegedly failed to protect workers from electrical
hazards, to implement an effective lockout/tagout program to prevent the
unexpected operation of machinery and equipment, to ensure electrical
conductor boxes, which have the potential to create a shock hazard, were
properly closed, to install handrails where required; mark doors as exit
routes; provide written procedures for lockout and tagout of equipment
with multiple energy sources; remove forklifts with known safety issues
from service; use weather-safe electrical boxes; train workers in safe
work practices regarding specific hazards associated with electrical
energy; require workers to use personal protective equipment to protect
against electrical hazards and for modifying a forklift used to tow
trailers and for misusing flexible cords, cables and attachment plugs.
Howard Industries also was issued citations for failing to properly
record and adequately describe injuries in the OSHA 300 log, and to mark
floor load capacity for a storage area...
April 13 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites RY Timber Inc. in Livingston, Mont., for
exposing workers to combustible dust hazards. RY Timber
Inc. has been cited for exposing workers to combustible dust and other
hazards. The hazards were uncovered during an OSHA inspection opened
Dec. 1, 2010. The agency has proposed a total of $79,200 in penalties.
Other violations address deficiencies involving unguarded pulleys,
chains and sprockets, as well as inadequate housekeeping in areas where
combustible dust build-up had exceeded allowable limits, deficiencies in
guarding of equipment and unclassified electrical equipment used in
areas where combustible dust hazards exist...
April 12 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites 3 subsidiary companies of Doraville,
Ga.-based Jinny Corp. for safety violations, proposes $71,000 in
penalties. The agency cited JBS Beauty Club, JBS
Hair Distribution Center and
Jinny Beauty Supply Co. for locking emergency exits; not illuminating
exit signs, exposing employees to electrical hazards from missing covers
on electrical panels; exposing workers to live electrical parts; failing
to provide training on how to operate a forklift, incorrectly marking an
interior exit as an emergency exit; blocking exits with materials,
debris or shelving; allowing use of flexible cords to power an
electrical outlet; using a flexible cord as permanent wiring; allowing
materials to block access to an electrical panel; failing to develop an
emergency evacuation plan; failing to install a light switch faceplate;
failing to install terminal screws on electrical cords to prevent
abrasions; storing boxes adjacent to the sprinkler system...
April 11 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $112,530 in penalties to manufacturer for workplace safety and health violations at its Edison facility.
Bedrock Granite Inc., a granite and marble countertop manufacturer, has 14
employees. The company was cited for failure to implement an effective
hearing conservation program, protect workers from overexposure to silica,
implement feasible administrative or engineering controls, maintain a
written hazard communication program and provide access to material safety
data sheets. Additionally, the company failed to maintain records or
reports of crane inspections and other violations include noise hazards;
lack of respiratory protection; unsanitary conditions; slip, trip and fall
hazards; inadequate forklift operations and certification; deficient
electrical equipment; unlit exit signs, failure to conduct annual fire
extinguisher inspections and use of compressed air above the permissible
limit for cleaning purposes...
April 6 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Georgia manufacturer with safety and health
violations, proposes more than $85,000 in penalties. The
company was issued safety citations for violations including exposing
workers to fire, explosion and electrical hazards. In the plant there were
blocked emergency exits, and improperly secured compressed cylinders
vulnerable to being knocked over. Production machines lacked protections
that would prevent employees from being pulled into equipment and
suffering pinching and possible amputation. Trachte also received
citations for failing to conduct noise monitoring evaluations, not
implementing a hearing testing program, exposing employees to chemical
hazards, failing to minimize the amount of flammable liquids kept in the
vicinity of spraying operations, storing oxygen adjacent to acetylene
cylinders and propane, not maintaining a material data sheet on chemicals
being used at the facility and not maintaining an effective respiratory
protection program. Additionally, the company was cited for not having the
ranking company official certify the OSHA 300 log in which work-related
injuries and illnesses are recorded; failing to have fire extinguishers
readily accessible, failing to ensure electrical equipment was used
properly and missing ground pins on electrical cords...
April 6 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Nebraska company for lockout/tagout
violations following amputation. The serious citation is
for failing to ensure that lockout/tagout devices were used by authorized
employees to de-energize a machine and for failing to properly record
injuries and illnesses...
April 4 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Mississippi manufacturer for safety
violations following fork truck fatality. Quality Steel
Corp. in Cleveland faces $46,935 in penalties following the October 2010
death of a worker who was ejected and crushed after the forklift he was
operating overturned. OSHA cited the company with one serious safety
violation related to the fatality for failing to ensure the forklift
operator was wearing a seat belt. Thirteen additional serious safety
violations were cited, including failing to have an adequate
lockout/tagout program and procedures regarding energy sources; not
conducting required frequent and periodic inspections on lifting
equipment; having a lack of machine guarding on rotating shaft and
inclined belts; not ensuring electrical equipment was properly installed;
allowing forklift modifications to be made that are not approved by the
manufacturer; and not correctly identifying electrical branch circuits.
Five other safety violations were cited for stairs lacking standard rails,
allowing welders to not wear a shade filter lens, not capping compressed
gas cylinders, blocking access to a disconnect switch and outlets, and
damaged electrical cords...
March 31 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Trenton, NJ, manufacturing company for
exposing employees to workplace safety hazards. RBC-West
Trenton, a division of Roller Bearing Co., manufactures bearings for
industrial and aerospace industries and employs 112 workers at its Trenton
facility. The company faces proposed penalties of $88,200 for
failing to: conduct a hazard assessment, provide employees with chemical
splash goggles and safety goggles, develop a lockout/tagout program for
energy sources, perform required inspections on powered industrial
vehicles, perform required inspections of hoist chains and hooks, properly
guard machinery, properly mount electrical equipment; label a chemical
drum with a required warning; properly complete the OSHA 300 log of
work-related injuries and illnesses, and for using light fixtures that
were energized but lacked bulbs and covers...
March 30 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Tyson Foods of Jefferson, Wis., for
lockout/tagout and other safety hazards; fines total $45,000.
Tyson was issued serious citations after inspectors noted a lack of fall
protection; deficiencies in Tyson's process safety management program,
respiratory protection program and control of hazardous energy
lockout/tagout program; and a lack of proper maintenance of powered
industrial trucks. Tyson also received a citation for failure to conduct a
personal protection equipment hazard assessment...
March 29 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Volvo Aero Connecticut with safety
violations at Newington plant. Airplane engine parts manufacturer faces
more than $83,000 in fines. Specific violations
included workers being hoisted on the load hook of an overhead crane; an
improperly designed combustible dust collection system; a lack of personal
protective equipment; uncovered containers of flammable liquids; improper
disposal of combustible rags; failure to conduct air monitoring to
determine employees' exposure to hexavalent chromium; unguarded milling
machines, belts, pulleys and grinders; and failure to re-evaluate workers'
ability to safely operate fork trucks and provide operators with refresher
training. In addition, the company was cited for several electrical safety
violations. These included electrical equipment unapproved for a Class II
(combustible dust) location, flexible cords used in lieu of permanent
wiring, defective electrical equipment, a lack of an electrical
safety-related work practices program and failure to provide such training
to maintenance employees...
March 24 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $49,000 in fines against
Lawrence, Mass., metal finishing plant for safety hazards.
The company, which performs metal finishing, anodizing and hard coat
services, faces a total of $49,280 in proposed fines following an
inspection that found hazards that included extension cords used in place
of permanent wiring to power equipment and inadequate air velocity for a
paint spray booth. The first condition poses an electrocution or electric
shock hazard to workers while the second could expose them to hazardous
fumes and/or a buildup of flammable vapors; inadequate ventilation in an
area where flammable materials are stored; waste cans and other materials
stored too close to paint spray booths; excess air pressure for a cleaning
hose; unlabeled electric circuits; and the use of unapproved electrical
equipment in an area where flammable paints and solvents are mixed...
March 24 2011
Judge
upholds OSHA citations issued to Ohio-based ALL Erection & Crane
Rental for health and safety violations. The company was
assessed penalties totaling $10,850. The inspection revealed that several
employees were exhibiting symptoms of histoplasmosis, a potentially fatal
respiratory disease, as a result of inhaling dust during cleanup. As a
result of the OSHA investigation, ALL Erection & Crane was issued five
serious citations for failing to provide guarding for a fifth floor
elevator shaft; provide personal protective equipment, provide compliant
respirators, provide medical personnel for advice and consultation, and
train employees on hazardous chemicals in the workplace. OSHA also issued
a citation for failing to determine the presence, quantity and location of
asbestos-containing material or presumed asbestos-containing materials at
the worksite...
March 23 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites steel pipe manufacturing company for
multiple safety and health hazards in Houston, proposes nearly $125,000 in
fines. OSHA's Houston North office began its
investigation on Oct. 5, 2010, at the company's facility on North Post Oak
Road, finding multiple safety and health violations. Violations include
failing to cover floor openings to prevent falls, provide periodic testing
of lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental energy start-up, have
employees wear a seatbelt while operating a forklift and ensure electrical
circuits on an overhead crane were enclosed. Other violations include
failing to develop procedures for the control of hazardous energy and
failing to provide covers for junction boxes; and failing to properly
complete OSHA occupational injury and illness forms, and to provide the
required detailed information on the OSHA 300 log....
March 23 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Metal Container Corp. in Arnold, Mo.,
following employee amputation accidents One worker lost fingers in
machinery, another lost foot in forklift accident.
Proposed penalties for the citations total $107,200 for hazards associated
with unguarded machinery. Citations address hazards associated with exits,
flammable/combustible materials, personal protective equipment,
lockout/tagout of energy sources, forklift use, machine guarding and
electrical deficiencies...
March 23 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes nearly $30,000 in fines to Harvey, ND,
company for exposing workers to variety of workplace hazards.
OSHA's Bismarck Area Office began its investigation in October 2010 and
issued the citations for failing to establish and maintain an effective
respiratory protection program, provide appropriate personal protective
equipment, utilize approved electrical equipment and comply with OSHA
recordkeeping requirements, failing to protect workers from electrical
hazards and provide suitable facilities for the quick drenching or
flushing of the eyes and body; failing to ensure fire extinguishers were
readily accessible at all times...
March 23 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Waco, Texas-based Trautschold Millwork
more than $75,000 for exposing workers to possible amputations.
Trautschold Millwork specializes in custom millwork, doors, cabinets and
windows, and employs about 31 workers. OSHA's Fort Worth Area Office began
its inspection of the Franklin Avenue facility as part of the agency's
National Emphasis Program on Amputations. The planned inspection found
that employees working on or around hazardous machinery were not properly
protected. Violations include failing to provide adequate guarding on
hazardous machinery such as sanders, saws, grinders and staple guns;
ensure workers were protected from electrical hazards such as explosive
proof wiring; provide training for employees who operate forklifts; ensure
the use of respiratory and personal protective equipment; and provide a
written personal protective equipment hazard assessment. Other violations
include failing to meet OSHA's standards that apply to emergency exits and
to provide training on the use of a fire extinguisher...
March 21 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Waycross, Ga., manufacturer more than
$95,000 for safety and health violations Carolina Skiff cited for
combustible dust and hexavalent chromium exposure.
Four violations are safety-related, including using compressed air and
unapproved electrical equipment in areas where the dust concentrations are
high enough to lead to a fire or deflagration hazard; failing to clean up
dust accumulations; and a lack of exit signage resulting in emergency
escape hazards. Two violations are health-related, including failing to
train welders regarding hexavalent chromium hazards and not implementing
engineering controls to reduce high noise levels. Additional violations
include exposing employees to fall hazards; improperly storing and
transferring flammable liquids used during spray painting operations;
using compressed air greater than 30 pounds per square inch for cleaning;
and an improperly installed electrical service system resulting in an
electrical hazard; failing to provide a hearing conservation program;
exposing workers to airborne styrene that exceeded the permissible
exposure limit, and not providing suitable protective clothing and gloves
for employees whose skin was exposed to styrene-containing resin; failing
to post the OSHA noise standard in the workplace; failing to ensure
respirator face pieces had adequate seals and not conducting additional
air samples for hexavalent chromium when stainless steel production
increased...
March 21 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Pelham, Ala., wood manufacturer with 17
safety violations for exposing workers to a variety of hazards.
Smith Family Cos. Inc. faces proposed penalties of $51,500 for exposing
workers to a variety of hazards. Smith Family Cos. Inc. is primarily
engaged in cutting plywood to customer specifications. OSHA is citing the
company for failing to use lockout/tagout procedures for energy sources;
provide railings for unguarded open-sided floors; mark permanent aisles or
passageways where mechanical equipment was used; ensure tiers of wood were
stacked, blocked, interlocked or limited in height so that they were
stable and secure against sliding or collapse; provide emergency stop bars
in red on hazardous machines; provide machine guarding; and provide
appropriate splicing of electrical cords servicing equipment and ground
prongs for extension cords. The company is also being cited for an exit
that was not clearly visible and marked...
March 14 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Jacksonville, Fla., metal recycler with
safety and health violations after 2 workers suffer amputations.
Proposed penalties for the citations total $45,200 for 16 safety and
health citations against Union Metal Trading Inc. in Jacksonville, after
one worker suffered the amputation of three fingers and another worker had
the tip of his finger amputated while working at the plant. A citation was
issued for allowing workers to operate machinery with a broken guard that
was designed to keep operators from being exposed to amputation injuries.
The company has also received citations for failing to train employees on
machinery hazards and safety procedures, exposing employees to tripping
hazards, failing to clearly mark exits, storing propane tanks where they
could be damaged by vehicle traffic, allowing employees to handle
corrosive chemicals without providing an eye flushing station, allowing
untrained employees to operate a damaged forklift truck, exposing
employees to electrical hazards and allowing employees in a number of
instances to work without wearing personal protective equipment such as
gloves and helmets. Citations were also issued citations for the company's
failure to supply a written hazard communication program or training on
hazardous chemicals, and to provide safety instruction signs near
machinery...
March 10 2011
Imperial
Aluminum facility in Scottsboro, Ala., cited by US Labor Department's OSHA
for 20 safety violations carrying $76,500 in penalties.
An October 2010 inspection resulted in 20 safety violations, including
failing to use lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources, guard
open-sided floors and platforms, provide standard railings for fixed
stairways, mark doorways or passages along an exit route, ensure fire
extinguishers were readily available, provide machine guarding, remove a
front end loader from service when repairs were needed, perform periodic
inspections of crane hoists, keep aisles clear and free from debris,
protect electrical conductors from abrasions, ensure unused openings in
electrical panels were effectively closed and provide covers for junction
boxes. The company also was cited for failing to complete OSHA 300 logs,
certify a personal protective equipment hazard assessment and document the
inspection of lockout/tagout procedures. "This company put its
workers' safety at risk by exposing them to a variety of hazardous working
conditions," said Roberto Sanchez, OSHA's area director in
Birmingham. "OSHA's safety standards must be followed to avoid
injuries and fatalities."
March 9 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel in Pueblo,
Colo., for safety violations following inspection of seamless tube mill. Proposed
penalties total nearly $50,000. Citations include
employee exposure to amputation hazards from rotating machine parts,
failure to properly implement a lockout/tagout program for energy sources,
provide adequate guarding of belts and pulleys, provide proper storage of
flammable materials and protect workers from exposure to electrical
hazards. Additional violations involve the employer's failure to maintain
fire extinguishers and material safety data sheets...
March 8 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Lavonia, Ga., cotton manufacturer for 16
serious safety and health violations following fatality. Parkdale America LLC has been cited for 16 safety and health violations
following the death of a worker in September 2010, who fell from a rolling
ladder while replacing the drive housing unit on a spinning machine. The
violation related to the fatality was allegedly failing to ensure the
rubber feet were installed on the bottom of the mobile ladder. Other
serious safety violations include failing to guard nip points on finishing
drawing machines; have an adequate drenching and eye wash station where
corrosive materials were being handled; ensure fixed wiring was used
instead of flexible cords; use proper chip guarding nozzles; and provide
the proper electrical outlet approved for use in damp and wet conditions.
A separate health inspection revealed violations that include allowing
explosive dust to accumulate, failing to establish audiometric testing for
employees, using an audiometer that had not been calibrated, failing to
establish a noise training program, failing to monitor exposure to cotton
dust, failing to measure the effectiveness of the dust ventilation system,
exposing workers to 1.2 times the permissible exposure limit for unwashed
cotton dust, failing to provide a medical surveillance program for
employees exposed to cotton dust, failing to train employees on the
exposure to cotton dust and failing to post a warning sign where cotton
dust limits were exceeded...
March 3 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Ifco Systems pallet recycling facility Machine
guarding found lacking at Henderson, Colo., operation. The
company has been cited for improper machine guarding following an
inspection. Penalties total $67,765. Additional citations were issued for
failing to provide adequate machine guarding on a bandsaw; failing to
develop and implement proper lockout procedures for energy sources; a lack
of machine guarding on a table saw; and exposing employees to excessive
levels of noise...
March 3 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Ames True Temper for exposing workers to
electrical, safety hazards at Carlisle, Pa., warehouse. Proposed
penalties total $52,800 for exposing workers to electrical and other
hazards. OSHA initiated an inspection on Jan. 24 and issued citations for
failing to develop specific energy control procedures, provide proper
guarding for bench grinders, and follow listing and labeling requirements
for electrical quad outlet boxes with knockouts. One citation was issued
for the company's failure to provide a lower guard for employees operating
a radial arm saw...
March 3 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Pep Boys for machine guarding and
electrical hazards at Hamden, Conn., location. A recent
inspection found that workers in the Hamden store's service area were
exposed to electric shock hazards from damaged power cords, as well as to
cuts and lacerations from a grinder that lacked a safety guard, a tongue
guard and guarding of its spindle end. A citation with a fine of $5,000
for missing face plates on an electrical outlet box and a snap switch box.
The company faces a total of
$75,00 in fines...
February 28 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Associated Milk Producers and Bechel
Bros. for failing to protect workers from falls. An
investigation found that the company failed to provide proper fall
protection while requiring its workers to wash out milk trailers from
above. A worker died from injuries sustained after falling more than 10
feet from the top of a truck. Associated Milk Producers also allegedly
failed to fully implement and properly install fall protection for workers
performing milk unloading operations, and additional citations were issued
for not providing training, evaluation and certification for operators of
powered industrial vehicles...
February 28 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites St. Louis contractor for repeatedly
exposing workers to fall hazards and other safety violations.
OSHA's inspection resulted in proposed penalties totaling $68,720. Citations
allege a lack of eye protection, scaffold fall and tripping hazards, and
inadequate scaffold use training. Other alleged hazards include those
associated with falls from a roof, improper ladder use and personnel point
of access, and jobsite inspection deficiencies...
February 24 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Venetian Marble & Granite for
exposing workers to excessive levels of respirable silica. Proposed
penalties total $41,300. Venetian Marble & Granite
employs about 45 workers who manufacture custom countertops for
residential and commercial applications. OSHA initiated a safety and
health inspection at the company's facility on Western Oak Drive and
determined that employees were exposed to respirable crystalline silica
particles while grinding, sanding and buffing countertop products such as
natural granite, quartz and solid surfaces. The agency alleges that the
company failed to ensure levels of crystalline silica met safety
standards, provide employees with required respiratory protection,
determine that employees were medically fit to wear respiratory
protection, follow proper procedures to lock out/tag out accidental energy
start-up prior to servicing and performing maintenance on machinery,
properly guard a table saw and cut off saw, and train employees on the use
of hazardous chemicals...
February 22 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Mississippi furniture manufacturer
$66,000 in penalties for repeat and serious safety violations.
The company is being cited for allegedly failing to label feeder and
branch electrical circuits; an accumulation of explosive dust; failure to
provide railings on stairs; blocked, unmarked and inadequate exits;
damaged fire extinguishers; allowing safety devices to be removed from
nail guns; a lack of machine guards on fan blades, staplers, pulleys,
chains and sprocket wheels; multiple electrical hazards, including blocked
access to electrical panels; live electrical equipment exposed to
potential contact; lack of coverings for unused openings in electrical
panels; flexible cords substituted for fixed permanent wiring; damaged and
improperly spliced flexible cords; and wiring methods that were not
approved for combustible dust. Two other-than-serious violations were
cited with no proposed penalty for a lack of procedures to transfer
responsibilities for lockout/tagout of energy sources between workers and
for not testing equipment to verify lockout was operational...
February 22 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites US Minerals facility in Baldwin, Ill.,
for failing to lock out equipment, protect workers from falls; fines total
$83,000. OSHA regulations require an employer to establish a
program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and
periodic inspections. The purpose of such a program is to ensure that,
before an employee performs any servicing or maintenance on a machine or
other equipment where the unexpected energizing, startup or release of
stored energy could occur and cause injury, the equipment is isolated from
the energy source and rendered inoperative. Other citations include
failure to have guardrails on an open-sided platform 17 feet high, install
guarding on a material dump hopper, and provide and use lockout/tagout
hardware devices for securing or blocking machines from energy sources;
lack of inspection and maintenance documentation for a Caterpillar 980G
Loader, use of an unguarded conveyer tail pulley, and failing to have
authorized employees affix lockout/tagout equipment to energy isolation
devices. As a result of the company's willful and repeat safety
violations, U.S. Minerals was placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement
Program...
February 22 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Albertville, Ala., fabrication company
more than $71,000 in penalties for endangering workers. The
hazards identified during the latest inspection include failure to train
employees in using and handling hazardous chemicals; lack of machine
guarding; electrical deficiencies; failure to provide medical evaluations
for employees wearing respiratory protection; not certifying that a proper
hazard assessment had been performed and proper protective equipment
identified; failure to implement sound engineering controls for
overexposure to noise; implement a hearing conservation program; protect
employees from hazards associated with exposure to a range of
particulates; train employees who wear respirators; have a hazard
communication program; and label hazardous chemical containers; not
obtaining a written medical recommendation for employees wearing
respirators; a deficiency in the bloodborne pathogens program...
February 22 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines San Antonio manufacturing company for
serious workplace safety and health hazards. The planned
inspection was initiated as part of OSHA's Site-Specific Targeting
National Emphasis Program. Proposed penalties total $45,900 for failure to
provide training on the use of forklift equipment; provide the required
machine guarding; correct electrical deficiencies, such as replacing
missing grounding prongs on electrical equipment and allowing employees to
use extension cords as permanent wiring; repair exposed fixture wiring;
and correctly mount switches and outlets; properly certify injury and
illness forms...
February 17 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Prologix Distribution Services in Doral,
Fla., following incident in which worker's arm was amputated
OSHA began a safety investigation in August 2010 following a report that
an employee had his right arm amputated at the elbow after he was trapped
in a machine. Penalties total $239,000 for multiple violations, including
exposing employees to being caught in moving machinery parts due to a lack
of procedures to lock out accidental energy start-up, failing to provide
employees with training related to lockout safety procedures and allowing
access guard doors to remain fully open while machinery is being operated;
allowing materials to accumulate around equipment and under the conveyor
belt,; storing propane indoors; failing to conduct annual inspections of
lockout procedures; using a forklift truck with a broken propane strap;
failing to maintain equipment in good working order and exposing employees
to electrical hazards in three separate situations; exposing workers to an
explosion hazard from combustible paper dust contained within the
ductwork; failing to include descriptions of incidents when recording them
in the OSHA 300 logs for years 2007 through 2010; and failing to develop
and implement a written respirator protection program for an employee
emptying paper dust collection bags...
February 17 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Mississippi sawmill with $67,800 in
penalties for willful and serious safety violations. OSHA
began its inspection in October 2010 as part of a national emphasis
program on combustible dust in the workplace. Proposed penalties total
$67,800 for citations including an electrical junction box left open in an
area where combustible dust accumulates; exposing workers to fire and
electrocution; a dangerous accumulation of combustible dust; unsafe exit
routes; improper dispensing of flammable liquids; failing to inspect
lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources; failing to recharge fire
extinguishers; lack of signage prohibiting foot and vehicle traffic in the
log unloading and storage area; handling corrosive chemicals without
required eyewash and safety showers; using damaged hooks on hoists to lift
loads; using damaged welding cables; failing to have guardrails on
elevated walkways; and failing to provide machine guarding...
February 14 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Northeast Hospital Corp. for failing to
protect workers against electrical hazards at Beverly, Mass., facility Hospital
faces $63,000 in proposed fines. Northeast Hospital
Corp. faces a total of $63,000 in proposed fines following an OSHA
inspection prompted by a worker complaint. OSHA found that some hospital
employees were exposed to potential electric shock, burns, arc flash
incidents and electrocution while changing circuit breakers on live
electrical panels. Specifically, the employees lacked or did not use
personal protective equipment while working with energized electrical
equipment; electrical protective equipment was not periodically tested;
electrical safety related work practices were not used; and specific
procedures were not developed for the control of hazardous energy while
replacing electrical breakers. The hospital also was issued a citation for
failing to ensure that unused openings in electrical panels and cabinet
motor control centers were effectively closed...
February 9 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $337,500 in fines to Louisiana company
for recordkeeping violations. OSHA's Baton Rouge office
initiated its investigation on Aug. 10, 2010, after receiving a complaint
alleging that employees' work-related injuries and illnesses were not
being recorded in the OSHA 300 log. Employers are required to record
fatalities as well as all significant injuries and illnesses, including
the number of days away from work, the days of job transfer or any
restriction that results from the injury or illness...
February 9 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites US Postal Service in Nashville, Tenn.,
with $70,000 fine for safety hazard. OSHA began its
inspection following a complaint that an employee was seriously injured
while lifting a damaged steel-hinged plate that provides a bridge between
the dock and a truck trailer. The strap that the employee was using to
lift the plate slipped off the steel flap, which caused the employee to
lose balance and fall backwards, striking the concrete floor...
February 8 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites south Georgia manufacturer with 46
serious safety and health violations US Erosion Control Products
exposed workers to combustible dust hazards. Proposed
penalties total $55,250 following an inspection that uncovered 46 alleged
safety and health hazards including worker exposure to heavy accumulations
of combustible dust. Citations were issued for violations that included
exposing workers to explosion hazards resulting from inadequate dust
control, exposing workers to dust without respiratory protection, failing
to clean up thick dust accumulations, using unapproved electrical
equipment and forklifts in locations that may include flammable or
combustible materials, absence of a fire extinguisher in a straw storage
area and fire extinguishers missing from their mounts. Additional serious
citations included exposing workers to fall hazards, electrical hazards,
obstructed exit routes, hazards related to the use of liquid propane gas,
amputation hazards from a lack of machine guards, hazards from damaged
forklifts, and hazards related to lack of eye protection and lack of a
hearing conservation program...
February 7 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Kearny, NJ, manufacturer for workplace
hazards, proposes more than $70,000 in fines. OSHA
initiated an inspection in response to a complaint at Kearny-based Alden
Leeds Inc. and found that the company failed to ensure that workers being
lifted by a forklift truck had an approved manlift cage; provide
sufficient guardrails on work platforms; keep exits clear and mark exit
doors; provide stable material storage; evaluate forklift operators every
three years; ensure compressed air used for cleaning did not exceed 30
pounds per square inch; and ensure workers did not use damaged electrical
equipment...
January 31 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines manufacturer in Little Rock, Ark.,
$88,000 for exposing workers to safety and health hazards. Proposed
penalties total $88,000 for Welspun Tubular LLC. OSHA has issued
citations for failing to protect workers from struck-by hazards, determine
load capacities of cranes, provide a self-closing fire door, provide the
required machine guarding equipment and ensure lockout/tagout procedures
were followed to de-energize electrical equipment; failing to identify
respiratory hazards, provide training in hazard communication and provide
hepatitis B vaccinations for employees exposed to blood-borne pathogens or
other infectious materials. Additional violations include failure to
provide fork truck maintenance and failing to adequately complete the OSHA
300 logs with detailed information on work-related injuries and illnesses...
January 31 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $220,000 in fines to Syracuse, NY,
manufacturer for willful, serious and uncorrected violations. Oberdorfer
LLC cited for exposing workers to silica, mechanical and electrical
hazards. The Syracuse manufacturer of aluminum
castings faces a total of $220,000 in proposed fines following an OSHA
inspection. The company was cited for employee overexposure to
airborne concentrations of silica, which has been classified as a human
lung carcinogen, and failure to implement engineering controls to reduce
workers' exposure to silica. In addition, the inspection found that an
employee who was overexposed to silica lacked a respirator. The
company also was issued fines for fall, electrical and machine guarding
hazards; a locked exit door; lack of a permit-required confined space
program and training; failure to develop specific lockout/tagout
procedures to prevent the unintended startup of machinery; lack of an
eyewash station; and failing to provide training on silica; inadequate
recording of workplace injuries and illnesses...
January 27 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Meridian, Miss., textile company more
than $46,000 for safety and health hazards. Roytex Inc. in
Meridian has been cited for exposing workers to electrical hazards,
flaking lead paint, asbestos and other hazards. Proposed fines total
$46,340. Hazards include failing to provide fixed stairs and railings
where required; lack of a back-up alarm for a powered industrial truck;
failing to block the wheels of trailers being loaded and unloaded; several
electrical deficiencies; and failing to provide machine guarding at pinch
points between the belt and pulley on the conveyor. Other violations
included failing to treat and label insulation-containing asbestos;
monitoring employee exposure to asbestos; failing to keep surfaces free
from accumulation of lead from flaking and peeling wall paint; and failing
to provide a written hazard communication program addressing how to work
safely with hazardous chemicals...
January 26 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Cherry Hill, NJ, company for worker
exposure to silica, other health and safety hazards. KOL
Marble and Granite has been cited for 15 workplace health and safety
violations at its Cherry Hill facility. Proposed penalties total
$48,600. OSHA initiated an inspection in response to a complaint
alleging that employees were exposed to silica dust while dry cutting
stone. Violations cited include the company's failure to have engineering
and/or administrative controls in place for employee overexposure to
respirable dusts that contain 28 percent silica; establish or implement a
written respiratory protection program; train employees on the hazards of
silica; implement a written hazard communication program for employees
exposed to silica; properly guard machines; properly train forklift
operators; provide effective respiratory training; conduct a hazard
assessment; ensure that employees use appropriate eye protection when
exposed to flying particles; provide noise training to employees who were
over the permissible exposure level; and conduct audiometric testing for
employees who were over the permissible exposure level. The company also
was cited for failing to maintain injury and illness logs for 2009...
January 25 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites APC Paper Co. Inc. for willful, repeat
and serious hazards following worker's death in Claremont, NH.
APC Paper Co. Inc. faces a total of $288,000 in proposed fines after a
worker was pulled into the running nip points of a paper roller while
hand-feeding paper into the roller. OSHA's inspection found that the
company failed to provide an effective means of directing paper into the
roller's nip points that would have precluded the hand-feeding. The
company also failed to provide adequate machine guarding. Additional
citations were issued for not training employees who worked on and tested
live electrical equipment; not de-energizing live equipment and employing
safe electrical work practices; not providing employees with hearing
protection refitting and retraining when hearing loss was detected;
incomplete and inadequate recording of hearing loss, and other illness and
injury data...
January 25 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes more than $79,000 in penalties against
Newnan, Ga., transmission repair shop for safety and health violations.
OSHA cited the company for failing to correct hazards associated with
compressed air used for cleaning parts. Other citations allege hazards
associated with lockout/tagout procedures and electrical deficiencies,
failure to certify powered industrial truck operators, lack of a written
respirator protection program, failure to provide hazard communication
training and to conduct a personal protective equipment hazard
assessment...
January 20 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Amesbury, Mass., manufacturer for
emergency response, respirator, chemical, electrical and other hazards Durasol
Corp. faces $43,800 in proposed fines.
January 19 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines recycler Greenstar for potentially
exposing workers to bloodborne pathogens. Proposed
penalties total $53,000 for alleged failure to provide puncture-resistant
gloves for handling trash, provide a tie-off point to prevent employees
from falling, use lockout/tagout procedures on machinery, provide a fire
alarm system, ensure a fire evacuation plan was followed and ensure
workers facing exposure to hepatitis B are vaccinated. Other citations
allege failure to record injuries within a seven-day period, record
restricted days, record days when workers were absent and complete logs
with detailed information...
January 13 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites US Steel Corp. and Power Piping Co. with
$175,000 in fines for energy control hazards. Safety
citations were issued for having an inadequate lockout/tagout to prevent
the inadvertent release of energy, a deficient process safety management
program, and failure to implement an emergency response plan, evaluate
respiratory hazards, use flame retardant gloves and use approved
electrical equipment...
January 13 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites El Paso, Texas, plastering company for
exposing workers to fall hazards. Proposed penalties
total $99,000 for failing to provide base plates and mud sills to prevent
scaffolds from becoming unstable, a ladder for safe access to all working
levels of the scaffold, training for employees who perform scaffolding
work, and fall protection systems such as guardrails and/or personal fall
arrest systems such as harnesses to employees working from a scaffold...
January 11 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites chemical plant in Plaquemine, La., with
14 workplace safety and health violations. Proposed
penalties total $55,000 for failing to illuminate exit routes, train
workers performing preventive maintenance on safety critical instruments,
and ensure eyewashes had adequate flow and capped nozzles...
January 11 2011
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Bridgford Foods Processing $212,000 for
lockout/tagout and other violations. The company has been
cited for failing to implement and provide training for workers on
lockout/tagout procedures, thereby exposing them to energized
equipment. The company allegedly allowed workers to remove a shovel
stuck in an auger screw conveyor without locking or tagging out the auger,
placing employees in danger of the machine operating while they worked to
remove the shovel. Bridgford Foods Processing also has been issued
citations for having locked exit doors, failing to provide lockout/tagout
or electrical safety training, failing to provide a load backrest
extension on a powered industrial truck to minimize the hazard of material
falling, failing to perform periodic energy control inspections and to
maintain unobstructed exit routes, failing to properly illuminate exit
signs...
January 10 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Rochelle Park, NJ, stucco contractor for
fall hazards at Somerville, NJ, worksite. Company added to Severe
Violator Enforcement Program. Proposed penalties
total $69,300 after OSHA initiated an inspection as part of a local
emphasis program focused on fall hazards in construction. Violations
include the company's failure to fully plank scaffold platforms, erect
scaffolds on a firm foundation, provide a fall protection system and
properly brace scaffolds with cross braces. The company has also been
cited with a serious violation for failing to conduct frequent and regular
inspections of the jobsite...
January 5 2011
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines Newark, NJ, construction company $58,000 for
not protecting workers against falls. OSHA initiated an
inspection as part of its local emphasis program on fall hazards in
construction. As a result of the inspection, the company was cited for
failure to provide fall protection to employees working on roofs
approximately 11 feet above ground level, to extend two ladders 3 feet
above the work area and to protect employees from eye injuries while using
pneumatic nail guns. The company was also cited for failure to conduct
frequent and regular inspections of the jobsite, and to maintain contact
with a ladder when accessing the roof while carrying equipment...
December 29 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites US Postal Service in Duluth, Ga., with
repeat and serious safety violations, $80,000 in penalties.
Violations include deficiencies involving lockout/tagout to prevent
accidental start-up of machinery; permitting material to be stored in
front of the electrical and circuit breaker panel; having unused openings
on electrical, fire and receptacle boxes; using flexible cords instead of
fixed wiring; and missing the electrical strain prevention clamp on the
dock lights. The Postal Service is also being cited for failing to mark
exits visibly and having broken dock lights that exposed electrical
wiring...
December 29 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $238,000 in fines against US Postal
Service for electrical hazards at Shrewsbury, Mass., mail processing
facility. OSHA's inspection, which began June 29 in
response to a worker complaint, found that unqualified employees at the
Shrewsbury location were allowed to work on and test energized electrical
circuits and equipment. In addition, electrical equipment had not been
de-energized prior to maintenance being performed, and employees were not
supplied with insulated tools and equipment. OSHA also issued the
Postal Service for lack of employee training in safety-related electrical
work practices, lack of personal protective equipment, inadequate voltage
meters and failing to perform periodic inspections of the Shrewsbury
facility's energy control procedures...
December 13 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $76,000 fine against New Jersey
freight carrier for forklift and recordkeeping violations.
New England Motor Freight Inc. was cited for 17 violations after an
employee sustained a foot injury while operating a forklift at the
company's Pawtucket, R.I., freight terminal. OSHA's inspection found
that employees were not wearing attached seatbelts while operating
forklifts and forklift operators did not receive required refresher
training; defective forklifts were not removed from service; and no
assessment had been made to determine the personal protective equipment
needed for forklift operators who changed liquefied petroleum gas tanks.
The company was also fined for inadequate and incomplete recording of
on-the-job injuries and illnesses...
December 13 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Industrial Ceramic Products $91,500
after worker suffers permanent arm injury in industrial accident.
ICP was cited after a worker suffered a permanent arm injury while
fixing a jammed machine for failing to establish and enforce energy
control procedures and to have guards in place on tube cutters; for
failing to train employees on lockout/tagout procedures for energized
equipment; to provide appropriate personal protective gear for employees
working on electrical equipment; and to ensure electrical parts were
de-energized when employees were working on them. ICP received
additional violations for failing to properly record and accurately
describe workplace injuries and illnesses that resulted in lost workdays
in the OSHA 300 log for the years 2007 to 2009...
December 10 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Texas Linen in Austin, Texas more than
$126,000 for multiple hazards. OSHA began an inspection
June 10 at the company's worksite on Smith Road and found employees
operating a forklift without wearing a seat belt, as well as wet floors
in passageways, aisles and work areas. Citations were issued
alleging a failure to provide fall protection for employees working at
an elevation of 16 feet; to provide an adequate number of locks and
enforce lockout procedures during machine servicing to prevent injuries
from unexpected re-start of machines and equipment; and to ensure a
fiberglass ladder was set up and used correctly. Other citations were
issued for failure to keep flooring dry; cover floor holes; provide
machine guards for rotating parts, points of operation, and sprockets
and chains; provide illuminated exit signs and clear exit access;
provide properly identified locks for machine servicing; and provide
working and easily accessible portable fire extinguishers...
December 9 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Philadelphia paper manufacturer for
workplace safety and health hazards following worker fatality.
Newman and Co. faces $86,100 in penalties after a worker was killed at
the paper manufacturer's Philadelphia plant. The company was cited
for failing to remove hazards from aisles, an inadequate lockout/tagout
program that exposes workers to hazardous energy, inadequate machine
guarding, electrical hazards, blocked fire exits, an ineffective pest
control program, a lack of personal protection equipment to protect
against burns, inadequate exposure control for bloodborne pathogens and
a lack of runway guard rails. Citations were also issued for failing to
provide hearing conservation training, effectively inform workers of the
dangers related to confined space and record employee injuries...
December 8 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $71,000 in fines against Rochester,
NY, stainless steel fabricator for hazardous energy control, machine
guarding and electrical hazards. The stainless steel
fabricator faces a total of $71,000 in proposed fines after OSHA's
inspection found that workers performing service and maintenance on
various machines had not been adequately trained in hazardous energy
control, and had not affixed lockout devices to machines before
performing service and maintenance. In addition, brakes on mechanical
power presses were not guarded to prevent employees from being caught in
their moving parts. The company also has been issued citations for
failing to conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures;
steel lifting slings not labeled with their lifting capacity and other
required information; no inspection records for lifting slings;
unguarded moving machine parts; misused electrical equipment; and an
exposed electrical conductor. "One means of eliminating hazards
such as these is for employers to establish an illness and injury
prevention program in which workers and management work together
continuously to identify and eliminate hazardous conditions," said
Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York...
December 8 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Illinois-based GSI Group LLC after
worker killed in industrial accident. GSI Group LLC
faces fines of $78,500 after a worker was killed while operating a laser
cutting machine. "GSI could have avoided this tragedy had it been
following the required OSHA safety standard," said OSHA Area
Director Thomas Bielema in Peoria, Ill. "A worker should never lose
his or her life because an employer fails to follow safety regulations.
OSHA is committed to protecting employees in the workplace."
The manufacturing facility was cited for failing to have machine
guarding in place, failing to use lockout/tagout procedures while
performing various operations on the laser cutting machine and failing
to effectively close an electrical box opening...
December 8 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines US Minerals in Galveston, Texas,
$273,000 for alleged workplace safety violations. The
Galveston facility was cited for not providing proper fall protection
and machine guarding; failing to provide conveyors equipped with
emergency stops or pull cords; failing to provide covers on chute
floors; failing to remove damaged portable metal ladders from service;
failing to ensure compressed gas cylinders were properly secured;
failing to provide fire extinguishers where combustible and flammable
materials were stored and failing to develop and document machine
specific lockout/tagout procedures for equipment...
December 7 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines US Minerals facility in Illinois
$396,000 for 28 violations, including exposure to hazardous dust.
The Coffeen facility has been cited for exposing its workers to
dangerously high levels of hazardous dust, and not providing adequate
breathing protection and training for workers. Citations were issued for
exposing workers to levels of hazardous dust at concentrations higher
than the permissible exposure limit; failure to implement a written
respiratory protection program or to mandate employees wear respirators;
failure to implement engineering controls to reduce harmful dust
exposures; and failure to develop and utilize energy control procedures.
The company has also received citations for violating permit-required
confined space entry rules; failure to provide fall protection; failure
to provide required training on energy procedures; failure to provide
guards on mechanical powered equipment; failure to assess the need for
adequate personal protective equipment; inadequate eye protection;
failure to develop procedures and practices for permit-required confined
space entry; lack of a written hazard communication program; inadequate
information and training on dust containing silica; and lack of proper
injury and illness recordkeeping...
December 6 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA fines Ohio-based Ameriwood Industries $60,000
for lack of protective gear and training. The wood
furniture manufacturer in Tiffin, has been cited for failing to train
employees in safe work practices and require them to wear proper safety
equipment when working on electrical panels. Proposed penalties total
$60,000. The company also received citations for failing to
implement safety-related work practices and require employees to wear
personal face protection gear when working on electrical panels. Ameriwood Industries Inc. paid $70,500 in fines in 2009 for exposing
workers to hazardous dust, a lack of training, failing to ensure employees
wore personal protective equipment, and failing to implement and train
employees in lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources...
December 1 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Next Step Burwell LLC in Burwell, Neb.,
for exposing workers to serious electrical hazards. $75,600 in
penalties proposed following investigation of fatality.
OSHA cited the company following an investigation of an incident in which
two workers were subjected to electric shock. A Next Step employee was
shocked after being instructed to clean out a charged electrical wiring
cable tray in which a combination of rain water and corn stalk dust had
been allowed to accumulate. Subsequently, a subcontracted employee was
fatally electrocuted after being asked to check the cable tray...
December 1 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Huntsman Petrochemical of Houston, Texas,
for deficient lockout/tagout procedures. The company's
facility on Jefferson Chemical Road in Conroe, Texas faces proposed
penalties of $75,600 for an inadequate process safety management program
and deficient lockout/tagout procedures to prevent the accidental start-up
of machinery...
December 1 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines Hondo, Texas, company more than $52,000 for
failing to provide forklift training to workers.
"This company jeopardized the safety of its workers by failing to
provide forklift training," said Jeff Funke, OSHA's area director in
San Antonio, Texas. "It's imperative that employers adhere to OSHA's
safety and health standards to prevent injuries and fatalities by properly
training their workers." Other violations include failing to
provide proper housekeeping by placing miscellaneous items on the
stairway, creating a trip hazard; and electrical deficiencies, and failing
to record injuries in the OSHA 300 log and to keep fire exits clear...
December 1 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Home Depot in San Antonio for lack of worker
protective equipment, improper recordkeeping. Home Depot
U.S.A. Inc. at 9115 North Loop 1604 in San Antonio faces proposed
penalties of $70,500 for lacking adequate personal protective equipment
and deficient injury recordkeeping. OSHA began its inspection on
July 30, which found that an employee had sustained chemical burns due to
lack of appropriate personal protective equipment and training for
protective equipment...
November 29 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA levies $46,200 in proposed penalties against US
Postal Service in Des Moines, Iowa. The U.S. Postal
Service Processing and Distribution Center in Des Moines faces proposed
fines totaling $46,200 for failing to properly train workers on powered
industrial truck hazards. Alleged violations include failing to provide
refresher training when workers were observed operating powered industrial
trucks in an unsafe manner and to certify that workers were properly
trained, and failing to conduct an evaluation of each powered industrial
truck operator at least every three years...
November 29 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines Michigan-based Cedar Creek Carpentry $56,000
for exposing workers to fall hazards. Proposed penalties
total $56,000 for Cedar Creek Carpentry Inc., a carpentry contractor
headquartered in New Baltimore, for exposing workers to fall hazards while
performing carpentry at a worksite in New Lenox, Ill. As part of a
local emphasis program on fall protection, OSHA began its inspection in
August...
November 29 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites foam manufacturer Styro-Tech LLC Safety
program for using flammable material found lacking at Denver facility.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration has issued Styro-Tech LLC in Denver with $66,400 in
proposed penalties for lacking a comprehensive safety program covering the
use of flammable material. OSHA's inspection found that the employer was
not implementing a comprehensive process safety management program for
handling large quantities of flammable material. OSHA also cited the
company for failure to follow energy control procedures; lack of proper
guarding for open-sided floors; improperly fixed ladders; lack of machine
guarding; and using improper electrical equipment...
November 17 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines Macon, Ga., plating company more than
$300,000 for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals.
Aerospace/Defense Coatings of Georgia Inc. in Macon has been cited for 19
health violations following a complaint concerning personal protective
equipment and the handling, storing and disposing of chemicals. Violations
include respirator and personal protective equipment.
November 17 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $287,000 in fines against US Postal
Service in Bluefield, W.Va., for exposing workers to electrical hazards.
The violations cite the facility's failure to label electrical cabinets,
properly train employees, use safety-related work practices when exposed
to energized electrical parts and provide proper electrical protective
equipment. A citation was also issued for allowing an unauthorized
employee to perform inspections...
November 16 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines
Precision Production Inc. more than $149,000 for lack of hazardous energy
procedures, not training workers. Precision Production
Inc., a manufacturer of fabricated components in Cleveland, faces
penalties totaling $149,250 for failing to establish lockout/tagout
procedures of energy sources, train workers on recognizing hazardous
energy sources and control methods, and require workers to lock out
machinery when performing maintenance and have machine guards in place.
Other alleged violations include failing to develop training programs for
working with hazardous chemicals, develop and implement a workplace hazard
assessment, train workers in the use and wear of personal protective
equipment...
November 16 2010
Two
New Hampshire contractors cited by US Labor Department's OSHA after worker
suffers fall injury at Nashua worksite. North Ridge
Contracting of Deerfield, N.H., faces a total of $44,000 in proposed
fines, following an incident in which a worker tripped and fell 14 feet
during the dismantling of a stairway at the Benchmark Electronics
building. OSHA's inspection found that North Ridge workers lacked
fall protection while dismantling the stairway, that they did not receive
fall protection training, that workers were exposed to a tripping hazard
from unfilled metal pan stair treads, and that North Ridge failed to
provide a competent person to inspect the work area in order to identify
and correct such hazards...
November 10 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites US Minerals facility in Harvey, La., with
30 safety violations, more than $110,000 in penalties.
U.S. Minerals LLC has been cited for exposing workers to multiple safety
and health hazards at the company's facility in Harvey. Alleged
violations include enforcing the use of seat belts for employees
operating fork lifts, to provide training on the use of fork lifts,
enforce the use of safety glasses for eye protection and provide machine
guarding where employees could be caught by chains or pulleys. Other
violations were cited for failing to provide adequate lockout-tagout
training and develop machine specific lockout-tagout procedures, protect
workers from exposed electrical hazards, protect propane tanks from
damage, failing to provide sanitary washing facilities and warm or hot
water in lavatories...
November 10 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines Interstate Brands Corp. $274,500 for
failing to train workers and protect them from safety hazards.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration has cited Schiller Park-based Interstate Brands Corp., a
manufacturer of bakery products, with 20 alleged safety violations for
failing to properly train workers who operate powered industrial trucks,
and protect workers from electrical shock hazards and dangerous
high-speed rotating equipment. "Employers have a responsibility to
train workers on the proper use of equipment and to protect them from
workplace hazards," said Diane M. Turek, OSHA's area director in
Des Plaines, Ill. "OSHA is committed to ensuring workers have a
safe and healthy workplace, and failing to train, monitor and evaluate
employees' skills puts workers at unnecessary risk." The
company also was cited for failing to keep all aisles and passageways in
good repair and maintain proper exit routes, annually inspect energy
control procedures, ensure all powered industrial trucks were examined
for defects prior to the start or end of each work shift, ensure guards
were in place on all equipment points of operation, provide employees
with hardware to isolate and secure equipment from energy sources, and
ensure fans less than 7 feet above work level were provided with guards...
November 9 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines San Antonio printing company more than
$53,000 for leaving workers vulnerable to amputations, other hazards.
Litho Press Inc. has been cited for leaving workers vulnerable to
amputations from improper machine guarding in an inspection initiated
under OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Amputations. Violations
include inadequate machine guarding and a lack of specific procedures to
control hazardous energy while workers conducted cleaning and servicing
operations on equipment. Other violations include failing to ensure
electrical deficiencies were repaired and maintained; and provide
training on the use of hazardous chemicals and methods to control
hazardous energy...
November 3 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines Lowe's Rockford Distribution Center
$182,000 for recordkeeping violations. OSHA has cited
the Lowe's Home Centers Inc. regional distribution center in Rockford
with proposed penalties of $182,000 for alleged continuous failure to
correctly classify injuries or illnesses and not correctly recording the
number of days a worker was away from work due to injury or illness in
the OSHA 300 log. "Accurate injury and illness records are vital to
protecting workers' health and safety," said OSHA Area Director
Kathy Webb in North Aurora, Ill. "Accurate records are an important
tool that employers and workers can use to identify hazards in the
workplace, and they also enable OSHA to better target its
resources"...
October 27 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines Lake Villa employer $140,700 for failing
to lock out machine energy sources and endangering workers.
The company was cited for failing to ensure lockout devices were applied
to machinery when workers were performing tasks where lockout was
required and for failing to ensure rotating parts on machinery were
properly guarded. The company was also cited for failing to provide
standard railings on open-sided platforms, require protective eye and
face wear, conduct required periodic inspections of energy control
procedures, provide training on lockout/tagout procedures and ensure
guards were affixed to machinery to cover dangerous areas...
October 22 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites AP Specialty Metals in Alpharetta, Ga., for
multiple safety violations following employee death. AP
Specialty Metals received citations for failing to install machine guards
that would prevent employees from being caught up in machinery, failing to
develop and implement an energy control program that would protect workers
from the unexpected release of energy or start-up of machinery, fall
hazards, lack of training on use of industrial trucks, exposing workers to
flying debris, exposure to unguarded chains and sprockets, misuse of
compressed air for cleaning, using damaged parts on electrical equipment,
using flexible cords as a substitute for fixed wiring and dispensing
flammable liquid from a drum that was not grounded. Other citations
were issued against the company for failing to post an annual summary of
injuries and illnesses at the facility and not retaining OSHA logs for
2006 and 2007...
October 22 2010
US
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Houston manufacturing company $113,500
for alleged safety violations. Texas-based Igloo Products
Corp. was cited for failure to maintain dry walking and working surfaces,
provide clean stairway platforms to avoid tripping hazards, provide
stairway railings, provide a hazard analysis for personal protection
equipment, provide eye protection such as goggles and face shields,
provide adequate eye wash and shower stations, provide machine guarding
for rotating equipment and ensure electrical panel covers were closed,
failure to provide energy control procedures and to ensure workers were
affixing lockout/tagout devices to energy isolating devices...
October 19 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA fines Columbus, Ohio, US Postal Service processing
center $210,000 for electrical and equipment hazards. The
Postal Service failed to provide adequate electrical safety training,
ensure that workers followed safety-related work practices while working
on electrical equipment and provide workers with appropriate personal
protective equipment while working on energized electrical equipment...
October 14 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA cites Superior, Mont., companies for exposing
workers to combustible dust and safety hazards. In
addition to exposure to combustible dust, citations include inadequate
machine guarding, improper electrical wiring, poor housekeeping, blocked
emergency doors, inadequate respiratory protection program...
October 8 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $90,000 fine against wood furniture
manufacturer in Buena Vista, Ga. for failing to conduct training or
evaluations for workers operating forklift trucks.
October 8 2010
US
Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $137,000 in fines against
packaging manufacturer for fire, electrical and mechanical hazards.
October 8 2010
Briggs
& Stratton Corp. in McDonough, Ga., fined $78,000 by US Department
of Labor's OSHA for violations following worker injury.
The company has also been cited for failure to develop lockout/tagout
procedures to control hazardous energy, failure to install machine
guards, various electrical hazards, and material safety data sheets on
hazardous chemicals that were not readily available to employees...
October 5 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA fines AK Steel Corp. in Middletown, Ohio,
$53,000 for failing to record worker injuries, hearing loss.
October 5 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA fines Equistar Chemicals in Tuscola, Ill.,
$81,900 for safety violations following fire.
October 5 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $83,000 in fines to Oneida
County, NY, manufacturer for 34 safety violations, including exposure to
electrical shock, crushing, burns or machinery injuries.
September 30 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA cites Consolidated Blenders Inc. in Pdessa,
Neb., with $120,600 in penalties for inadequate respiratory protection,
lack of confined space permit, lockout/tagout violations and more.
September 30 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA fines Boise, Idaho, manufacturer $59,000 for
safety and health violations.
September 29 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA fines Heartland Refinery in Columbus, Ohio,
$68,000 for exposing workers to fire hazards.
September 28 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA cites Atlanta paper recycler with $48,000 in
proposed fines for lack of written PPE hazard assessment and hazard
communication program deficiencies.
September 22 2010
Thompson,
Ga., manufacturer cited by OSHA for improper machine guarding, slip
hazards, fork truck training and other deficiencies.
September 21 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA fines Behr Dayton Thermal Products more than
$77,000 for failing to protect workers against electrical shock hazards.
September 21 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA cites Columbia Forest Products for
lockout/tagout and other deficiencies after worker dies at mill.
September 21 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA fines Spartech Plastics $54,000 for exposing
workers to unguarded machinery, electrical shock, forklift and other
hazards.
September 17 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA cites Batesville, Miss., picture frame
manufacturer more than $228,000 for combustible dust, noise hazards,
hazard communication and other violations.
September 16 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA cites Porta-King $120,000 for Spray Painting,
Fork Truck and other violations.
September 14 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA cites Lexington, Miss., manufacturer with 40
safety and health violations, $60,000 in proposed penalties. OSHA
opened a health inspection in April under its National Emphasis Program
on Recordkeeping...
September 9 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA fines Indiana-based employer $466,400 for
exposing workers to dangerous levels of hazardous dust.
September 7 2010
Russellville,
Ala., Pilgrim Pride Corp. cited by OSHA for 29 safety and health
violations with $135,000 in penalties. OSHA found that
the company had failed to utilize lockout/tagout procedures and to label
containers with appropriate hazards warnings. The company also had
unmarked fire exits, lack of machine guarding, lack of hand protection,
electrical deficiencies...
September 7 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA proposes $89,000 in fines to CVS Pharmacy for
exit, storage and other hazards at Orange, Conn., store. OSHA
found that employees working in the store's stockroom were not provided
with unobstructed and effective emergency exit routes due to containers
and pallets blocking the routes...
September 7 2010
U.S.
Labor Department fines Watchung, NJ, Dollar Tree Stores more than
$50,000 for exposing workers to workplace safety hazards. Violations
include failing to properly stack, block, interlock or limit the height
of stored materials, to cover exposed electrical outlets, and to keep
storage areas free of tripping and fire hazards...
September 3 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA fines Alabama company after worker was killed
when crushed between a motor being hoisted with a forklift and other
equipment.
September 2 2010
U.S.
Labor
Department's OSHA proposes $111,600 in fines against manufacturer for
crushing, fall, fire, mechanical and electrical hazards at plant.
September 1 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor issues fines exceeding $3 million against Whitesell
Corp. for amputation and other hazards..
September 1 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor issues fines exceeding $3 million against Whitesell
Corp. for safety and health violations. OSHA
fined Whitesell Corp. $3,071,500 for amputation and other hazards...
September 1 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor cites Houston manufacturing company for hiding
work-related injuries and illnesses; fines exceed $1.2 million.
September 1 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor cites Alabama automotive parts manufacturer $60,000
for machine guarding, tripping hazards and other facility issues, and
lockout/tagout program deficiencies.
August 31 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor fines Wisconsin company $369,500 in proposed
penalties for inadequate hearing conservation program, recordkeeping and
other violations.
August 30 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor cites Letart, W.Va., manufacturer for workplace
safety and health hazards. Proposed penalties
total $44,000 for 10 serious violations including inadequate hearting
and respiratory programs, electrical hazards, improper use of compressed
air, as well as employee exposure to silica, lead and manganese fumes...
August 26 2010
Company
cited with proposed penalties of $62,200 for failure to provide reverse
signal alarm on equipment amongst other safety violations.
OSHA initiated an investigation after an employee digging a
shallow ditch was struck by a tractor and pinned while backing up.
Additional violations include failure to train workers in the
recognition and avoidance of hazards ...
August 25 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor's OSHA cites US Postal Service in Kansas City, Kan.,
with $191,000 in penalties for serious and repeat safety violations.
Violations include overall deficiencies in walking/working
surfaces, fall protection, sling use, machine guarding, lectrical equipment...
August 24 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor cites Walter Coke Inc. for repeat safety violations
and $171,500 in penalties. An OSHA inspection
found inadequate lockout/tagout procedures for energy control, and to
provide proper machine guarding to protect the operator and other
workers from rotating parts, flying chips and sparks, and 27 other
serious safety violations...
August 23 2010
OSHA
fines Karl's Event Rental $85,000 for combustible dust, electrical and
other hazards.
August 23 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor fines Exeter, Pa., manufacturer $156,000 for
workplace safety hazards. Proposed penalties
total $156,000 for inadequate lockout/tagout procedure for energy
sources, unguarded machinery and electrical hazards...
August 23 2010
U.S.
Labor Department's OSHA fines manufacturer nearly $70,000 for worker
exposure to noise, other workplace hazards.
August 20 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor proposes $350,000 in fines against US Postal Service
for electrical hazards at Portsmouth, NH, mail processing facility.
August 19 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor proposes nearly $115,000 in fines against Rochester
NY machine shop for uncorrected and recurring hazards. An
OSHA inspection found electrical hazards and incomplete procedures and
employee training to ensure that machines' power sources were properly
locked out of service before maintenance...
August 16 2010
Kirkhill
Manufacturing of Athens, Ga., fined more than $125,000 by US Department
of Labor's OSHA for safety and health hazards. An
OSHA inspection found that the plant was exposing workers to combustible
dust hazards and failed to establish a lockout/tagout control
program. The company has also been cited with poor housekeeping,
unguarded walking and working surfaces, failure to mount portable fire
extinguishers, lack of forklift operator training, machine guarding
hazards, and various electrical deficiencies...
August 12 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor cites AmeriCold Logistics with $189,000 in fines for
serious safety violations at Burley, Idaho, facility. Many
of the alleged violations cited were for deficiencies in Americold
Logistics' process safety management program, which helps to ensure that
operations involving hazardous chemicals are performed in a safe
manner...
August 9 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor cites Huntsville, Ala. plant for facility hazards.
Proposed penalties
total $191,500 for failure to provide adequate lockout/tagout
procedures, machine guarding issues, obstructed exit pathways...
August 9 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $357,000 in fines against US Postal
Service for electrical hazards at Boston mail processing facility.
August 5 2010
U.S.
Labor
Department fines US Minerals LLC more than $158,000 for safety
violations, endangering its workers. Inadequate
lockout/tagout procedures and training, and failure to provide fall
protection on elevated platforms, and lack of proper guarded were
cited...
August 4 2010
U.S.
Labor
Department proposes $247,000 in fines against Sally Sherman Foods for
machine guarding and hazardous energy control at Mount Vernon, NY plant.
July 29 2010
U.S.
Labor
Department's OSHA proposes $420,000 in fines against US Postal Service
for electrical hazards at Vermont mail processing facility.
July 29 2010
Chemical,
mechanical and electrical hazards at Eastford, Conn., aircraft parts maker
leads to nearly $140,000 in OSHA fines.
July 29 2010
Noise
exposure complaint leads to proposed OSHA fines of $73,500 at Marcum
Transport of Verdunville, W.Va.
July 26 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor proposes more than $250,000 in fines against Worthen
Insdustries Inc. and S.L. Chasse Welding and Fabrication Inc. following
explosion at Nashua, NH, manufacturing plant.
July 21 2010
U.S.
Labor
Department's OSHA proposes more than $260,000 in penalties to Matthews
Manufacturing of St. Louis for nearly 100 workplace safety and health
violations.
July 21 2010
U.S.
Labor
Department's OSHA proposes $130,050 in fines to Farmington, Conn.,
aircraft parts manufacturer for fires, electrical and mechanical hazards.
July 20 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor cites Legion Industries in Waynesboro, Ga., for
machine guarding, inadequate safety training, electrical, chemical and
other hazards.
July 20 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor proposes $112,000 in fines against Home Depot USA
for chemical hazards and inadequate safety training.
July 19 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor's OSHA cites Jarden Home Brands for alleged safety
violations. Proposed
penalties totaling $197,500 were issued for electrical hazards,
inadequate lockout/tagout procedures and machine guarding, training
deficiencies in the use of forklift trucks...
July 16 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor fines Kenton Iron Products $214,500 in penalties for
29 safety and health violations. Proposed
penalties were issued for failing to ensure that equipment was
de-energized and shut down properly and lockout/tagout procedures were
in place before workers conducted maintenance on the equipment...
July 15 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor fines Rexnord Industries LLC $130,500 in penalties
after worker's arm was amputated by machinery. A
mechanical power press operator was removing parts from a parts dumper
and had her arm amputated when the machine unexpectedly began to
operate...
July 12 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor proposes more than $69,000 in penalties against
Roll-Kraft for exposing workers to hazards. The
steel manufacturing facility was cited for failing to provide required
safety training and for not protecting workers against electrical and
machine hazards...
July 12 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor cites Krestmark Industries in Dallas for allegedly
lacking hearing conservation program and other safety and health
violations. A willful violation has been issued
for the company's failure to institute...
July 8 2010
Repeat
and serious safety hazards at 4 Xpect Discount locations in Connecticut
lead to $140,000 in US Labor Department OSHA fines for Ohio retailer.
Inspections found safety violations related to personal
protective equipment, forklift operator training, failure to maintain or
certify injury and illness logs...
July 7 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor announces Imperial Sugar will pay more than $6
million and implement extensive safety and health abatement measures.
Settlement resolves violations found after 14 died at Georgia
plant...
July 6 2010
U.S.
Department of Labor files worker safety complaint against USPS.
Complaint requests enterprise-wide remedy, a 1st...
July 12 2010
OSHA
proposes $272,000 in fines against US Postal Service for exposing
workers to electrical hazards at Capitol Heights, Md., facility.
"These citations and sizable fines reflect the Postal
Service's failure to equip its workers with the necessary knowledge and
skills to safely work"...
June 28 2010
OSHA
proposes $430,000 in fines against US Postal Service for electrical
hazards at Scarborough, Maine mail processing facility.
"The Postal Service knew that proper and effective training
was needed for the safety of its workers but did not provide
it."...
June 22 2010
OSHA
cites Ford Motor Co. for not repairing damaged overhead cranes at
Buffalo Stamping Plant in Western New York. A
proposed fine of $70,000 was issued following and OSHA inspection opened
in response to a complaint from workers at the plant...
June 21 2010
OSHA
proposes $77,500 in fines against US Postal Service for electrical hazards
at Portland, Ore., mail processing facility. An
OSHA inspection conducted in response to employee complaints found
electrical hazards and failure to adequately lockout machines' power
sources to prevent unexpected startup. Workers were performing tests
on live electrical equipment without adequate personal protective
equipment, safety-related work practices and warning signs, as well as
working on equipment that had not first been de-energized...
June 18 2010
OSHA
proposes more than $357,000 in fines against UCB Manufacturing for health
hazards. OSHA's
inspections found that some plant employees were exposed to excess
levels of methylene chloride and that the company did not have effective
controls and work practices to reduce those exposure levels. In
addition, the company did not supply the workers with appropriate
respirators, medical surveillance...
June 15 2010
Employer
ordered by US Department of Labor to make amends to employee censured for
reporting work-related injury.
June 8 2010
OSHA
fines US Postal Service nearly $500,000 for exposing workers to
electrical hazards at two Philadelphia facilities. OSHA's
inspections found inadequately trained employees performing work without
the proper personal protective equipment while being exposed to live
parts...
June 1 2010
OSHA
cites Linden, NJ, manufacturer for exposing employees to chemical
hazards. OSHA has proposed penalties
totaling $88,500 for hazards found in an inspection initiated upon
receiving a complaint related to a chlorine release at the
facility. Among the hazards observed by OSHA inspectors was the
company's failure to establish and implement written procedures required
to manage any changes to technology, facilities, equipment and
procedures that can potentially impact a chemical process...
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