GA. Proposed penalties total $151,030.
"This employer received citations for the same hazards earlier and did not correct them. Additionally, amputation and caught-in hazards remained, posing a risk of serious injury or even death for their workers," said William Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "These hazards must be eliminated immediately from the workplace."
A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The same violations were cited in 2011.
The serious safety and health violations, totaling $73,030 in penalties, involve failing to clearly and specifically outline the energy control procedures for all energy sources on the mixers and production equipment; instruct each affected worker on the purpose and scope of the energy control program; ensure authorized workers in the energy control program were utilizing lockout procedures when performing service on mixers; cover drainage troughs and guarded platforms to prevent trip and fall hazards; prevent exposure to amputation and caught-in hazards from protruding shaft ends and unguarded chain and sprockets; and ensure unobstructed exit routes. Other violations include failing to ensure workers spraying corrosive chemicals use splash goggles; provide an emergency eyewash station; provide appropriate hand protection; and conduct audiograms for temporary workers exposed to noise levels in excess of permissible exposure limits. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
The other-than-serious violations, with $1,100 in penalties, involve failing to store supplies properly against the wall of the spray booth; establish a written exposure control plan for workers trained and expected to perform first aid; and for allowing lockout locks to be used other than for energy control; and not properly recording injuries on OSHA's 300 log. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
Ol? Mexican Foods, Inc., is a tortilla manufacturing facility that mixes and produces flour and corn dough to make tortillas, tostadas, and chips for restaurant distribution.
Did You Miss OSHA’s December 1 GHS Hazard Communication Training Deadline? Use Environmental Resource Center’s GHS OSHA Hazard Communication Training PowerPoint
With OSHA’s adoption of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals, virtually every chemical label, MSDS—now called Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard.
OSHA’s December 1, 2013, deadline under the revised Hazard Communication Standard required that all employees at your site who work with, or are exposed to, hazardous chemicals be trained to understand the new classification system, labels, warning statements, precautions, pictograms, and safety data sheets for chemicals at your worksite.
Environmental Resource Center is making available a PDF presentation or a customizable PowerPoint that you can use for on-site worker training. The training program, which is designed to cover your site’s GHS Hazard Communication training requirements, is in a format that is easy to understand.
Price and options:
Multiple PDF copies can be purchased for $99/copy (1–10), $79/copy (11–20), or $69/copy (21+).
Multiple PowerPoint copies can be purchased for $199/copy (1–10), $179/copy (11–20), or $169/copy (21+).
Additional Options*:
1. Customized PowerPoint: Send us your written GHS hazard communication plan and 10–20 safety data sheets. We’ll create a custom training program for your site: $899
2. If you have not updated your hazard communication plan, let Environmental Resource Center update it for you: $799
3. Customized PowerPoint and hazard communication plan: $1600
*Call 800-537-2372 for Spanish pricing
How to Implement OSHA’s Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard (GHS)
OSHA has issued a final rule revising its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations’ globally harmonized system (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals. This means that virtually every product label, safety data sheet (formerly called “material safety data sheet” or MSDS), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard. Worker training must be updated so that workers can recognize and understand the symbols and pictograms on the new labels as well as the new hazard statements and precautions on safety data sheets.
Illinois Central Railroad Co. Violates Federal Railroad Whistleblower Law
A whistleblower investigation by OSHA determined that Illinois Central Railroad Co., by conducting a disciplinary hearing, retaliated against a worker for reporting a work-related injury, which is in violation of the whistleblower protection provisions of the Federal Railroad Safety Act.
"Railroad workers have the legal right to report work-related injuries without fear of retaliation," said Teresa A. Harrison, OSHA's acting regional administrator in Atlanta. "Railroads that take such retaliatory actions against their workers for exercising basic rights will be held fully accountable and prosecuted."
In this case, the conductor sustained injuries to the head, neck, and back when falling into the bulkhead after the emergency brake was applied unexpectedly on a moving locomotive. The incident and injuries were reported immediately to the trainmaster. The complainant was taken by ambulance to the hospital, admitted and diagnosed with a closed-head injury.
As a result of its findings, OSHA has ordered Illinois Central Railroad Co., to pay $1,000 in punitive damages and to take corrective action, including expunging disciplinary actions and its references to them from various records. OSHA also ordered the railroad to compensate the worker for reasonable attorney's fees. The railroad must also post and provide FRSA whistleblower rights to its workers.
Illinois Central and the complainant have 30 days from receipt of the findings to file an appeal with the department's Office of Administrative Law Judges. Under FRSA, employees of a railroad carrier and its contractors and subcontractors are protected against retaliation for reporting on-the-job injuries, certain safety and security violations and for cooperating with investigations by OSHA and other regulatory agencies.
OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of the FRSA and 21 other statutes protecting employees who report violations of various securities, financial services, trucking, airline, nuclear power, pipeline, environmental, rail, maritime, health care, food safety, motor vehicle safety, workplace safety and health regulations, and consumer product safety laws.
Under the various whistleblower provisions enacted by Congress, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who raise various protected concerns or who provide protected information to the employer or to the government.
OSHA Partners with Electrical Transmission and Distribution Contractors to Reduce Worker Injuries, Deaths
OSHA recently renewed a national strategic partnership with employers, workers, and professional associations in the electrical transmission and distribution industry to reduce injuries, illnesses, and deaths among linesman and other electrical workers. The partnership includes ten of the nation's largest electrical transmission and distribution contractors, an electrical industry labor union and two trade associations, representing about 80% of the industry.
Since its establishment in 2004, there has been a noticeable reduction in the injury, illness, and fatality rates among the partners' workers, which include close to 26,000 workers. Fatalities among these workers have dropped from 11 in 2004 to 1 in 2013.
"By working on common goals through the partnership, partner injury, illness and fatality rates have been reduced," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "Through this national partnership, the partner companies and associations looked at factors causing fatal incidents and other serious injuries and implemented changes to reduce and prevent the number of fatalities not only within their own companies, but in the industry as a whole. We look forward to seeing even greater outcomes of this partnership in the future."
The partnership has developed and implemented best practices that directly correspond to key hazards and operations associated with injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the industry. These practices include fall protection, the use of specific insulating protective equipment and the implementation of safety checks. The partnership also has trained more than 33,000 workers and supervisors through industry-specific courses developed by the partners. OSHA and industry partners are in the process of expanding these courses to provide industry-wide training.
Members of the partnership include Asplundh Tree Expert Co., Davis H. Elliot Co. ,Inc., Henkels & McCoy, Inc., MasTec, Inc., MDU Construction Services Group, Inc., Michels Corp., MYR Group Inc., PLH Group, Pike Electric, LLC, Quanta Services, Inc., International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Edison Electric Institute and the National Electrical Contractors Association.
This is one of several national partnerships. OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program helps encourage, assist, and recognize the efforts of partners to eliminate serious workplace hazards and achieve a high level of worker safety and health. Most strategic partnerships seek to have a broad impact by building cooperative relationships with groups of employers and workers. These partnerships are voluntary relations among OSHA, employers, worker representatives and others including trade unions, trade and professional associations, universities, and other government agencies.
Cleveland RCRA and DOT Training
Raleigh RCRA, DOT, IATA/IMO, and SARA Training
Cary HAZWOPER and OSHA GHS Training
OSHA Renews Alliance with Scaffold and Access Industry Association to Protect Workers from Scaffold Hazards
OSHA recently renewed its alliance with the Scaffold and Access Industry Association to provide information and training to protect the safety and health of workers who use scaffolds and lift equipment. Through the alliance, OSHA and SAIA will work to reduce and prevent fall and caught-in-between hazards and issues related to frame, mast climbing and suspended scaffolds and aerial lift equipment.
"Worker injuries and deaths from scaffolding hazards can be prevented when employers provide training on safe set up and use of equipment," said Assistant Secretary of Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "By renewing our alliance with SAIA we will expand our outreach to employers and workers and provide important training to protect workers in the scaffold and access industry."
Through the alliance, OSHA and SAIA will focus on reducing and preventing fall and caught-in-between hazards; address potential hazards associated with mast climbing scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, and aerial lift equipment; and emphasize the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The alliance members will also use injury and illness data in selected industries to help identify areas of emphasis for alliance awareness and outreach activities.
Founded in 1972, SAIA is a national trade organization that advocates worker safety in the scaffold, aerial lift and access industry worldwide. The organization represents 1,000 member companies that employ more than 200,000 workers.
The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA inspections or any other enforcement benefits.
Florida Roofing Company Cited for Serious, Willful Violations that Led to Fatality
OSHA also conducted a second inspection at a different company location as part of the agency's local emphasis program on fall hazards in construction.
"Tim Graboski Roofing has repeatedly failed to address the fall hazards associated with roofing work," said Condell Eastmond, OSHA's area director in Fort Lauderdale. "The company needs to correct the pattern of exposing workers to falls and other workplace hazards immediately, which resulted in this tragic loss of life."
On June 27, a worker was electrocuted at a residential job site in Boca Raton when attempting to reposition a metal extension ladder that made contact with overhead electrical power lines. On July 23, OSHA inspectors passing by a residential work site in Cooper City observed workers exposed to fall hazards, prompting a second inspection.
The willful citation on June 27 involves exposing workers to fall hazards of approximately 30 feet by not ensuring usage of a fall protection system. The citation on July 23 involves workers engaged in residential construction up to 19 feet above ground without guardrail systems, a safety net system, a personal fall arrest system, or any alternative fall protection measure. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.
Two serious violations relating to the fatality involve directing a worker to use a metal extension ladder to gain access to a rooftop in close proximity to high-voltage power lines that were not deenergized, grounded or guarded. The employer allowed the worker to use a metal extension ladder lacking nonconductive side rails when in close proximity to high-voltage power lines.
It was developed in partnership with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and NIOSH's National Occupational Research Agenda program.
The citations for the willful and serious violations carry $154,000 in proposed penalties.
Connecticut Welding Company Fails to Correct Previously Cited Safety Hazards
"We found no evidence that the employer made any effort to safeguard its workers from these serious hazards that prompted great concern and various citations upon initial inspection," said Warren Simpson, OSHA's area director in Hartford. "Left uncorrected, workers are exposed to burns, falls, lacerations and other potential injuries. For the health and well-being of its workers, the employer must take effective action to correct these hazards and prevent their recurrence."
The follow-up inspection identified eight specific hazards left uncorrected, including failing to provide welding screens near welding stations; maintain suitable extinguishing equipment in ready condition during welding operations; provide workers with training on hazardous chemicals in their work area; store oxygen and fuel gas cylinders separately; provide a guardrail; and install safety guards on machinery.
Eight failure-to-abate notifications, with $165,550 in fines, were issued for these conditions. A failure-to-abate notice applies to a condition, hazard or practice for which the employer was originally cited, and upon reinspection, was found uncorrected.
The company also received one serious citation, with a fine of $2,200, regarding blocked access to electrical panels.
Grandstand Sportswear and Glassware Fined over $100,000 for Hazards Associated with Lead, Cadmium, and Inorganic Arsenic
An OSHA inspection was prompted by a referral from a local health department and conducted as part of the agency's national emphasis program for lead. Proposed fines total $119,000.
OSHA conducted wipe samples and personal air sampling to detect lead, cadmium, and inorganic arsenic in the facility that produces personalized bar and glassware, apparel, and business items. The wipe samples detected all three contaminants, and personal air monitoring found airborne concentrations of cadmium above the action level.
"Grandstand Sportswear and Glassware's failure to implement basic safety procedures to monitor and prevent employee's exposure to lead and other hazardous chemicals led to serious health risks," said Judy Freeman, OSHA's area director in Wichita. "Employers must maintain a safe and healthful working environment."
A total of 21 serious health violations include failing to:
- Ensure that all surfaces were maintained as free as practicable from arsenic, lead, and cadmium
- Develop and implement a housekeeping and maintenance plan and ensure the use of effective cleaning methods for these contaminants
- Train workers on hazards of materials containing contaminants and to use personal protective equipment
- Monitor exposure to materials
- Provide clean changing rooms to prevent cross-contamination with street clothing
- Determine the airborne concentrations of lead, cadmium and inorganic arsenic
- Provide coveralls and other personal protective clothing, such as gloves and shoe coverlets
- Develop an effective respiratory protection program, including medical evaluation, training and fit testing workers for proper respiratory equipment
The agency opened a separate safety investigation after observing hazards during the health investigation. Six serious safety violations were found, including failing to establish an effective lockout/tagout program to prevent the unintentional operation of machinery; provide machine guarding; prevent electrical shock hazards due to improper and damaged wiring; and ensure knockouts on junction boxes and covers on live electrical parts to prevent exposure.
Brooklyn Rite Aid Fined $83,200 for Exposing Workers to Fall and Laceration Hazards
OSHA has cited Rite Aid for repeat and serious violations of workplace safety standards at the retailer's store located at 185 Kings Highway in Brooklyn. The drugstore chain faces $83,200 in fines following an inspection by OSHA's Manhattan Area Office opened June 19 as a result of a complaint.
"Significant hazards can exist in retail operations. In this case, employees faced potential injuries from severe lacerations and falls of up to 11 feet due to a lack of required safeguards," said Kay Gee, OSHA's area director for Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. "Employers should take effective steps to ensure that safety measures are in place and in use at all their workplaces."
Inspectors found workers at the Kings Highway store exposed to falls of up to 11 feet through an unguarded opening adjacent to a conveyor used to move stock from the basement to the sales floor level. Workers also faced laceration hazards due to an uncovered section between a conveyor belt and its drive mechanism. In addition, accumulated merchandise and garbage on the storage room floor exposed workers to trip-and-fall hazards.
OSHA issued Rite Aid one repeat citation with a fine of $70,000 for the fall hazard. OSHA cited Rite Aid in 2012 for a similar hazard at another Brooklyn store at 7118 Third Ave.
Two serious citations, carrying $13,200 in fines, were issued for the unguarded conveyor belt and the trip-and-fall hazards.
Pinnacle Metal Products Cited after Worker Goes Blind due to Serious Head Injury
McNeil Group, doing business as Pinnacle Metal Products, has been cited by OSHA after a worker suffered a serious head injury that resulted in blindness in one eye and the loss of 50% vision in the other. In June, the 42-year-old worker was on a scissors lift while painting steel ceiling beams when the lift caught his head between the beam and the lift's guardrail. The worker did not receive adequate training on operating a scissors lift.
"It's unacceptable that Pinnacle Metal Products failed to train workers properly in the operation of scissor lifts and to ensure adequate guards were in use on machinery in their facility, ultimately resulting in severe injury to this worker," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director in Columbus. "Companies must implement safeguards and create a culture of safety. Companies must provide workers with adequate training and ensure workers comprehend and understand safety precautions."
OSHA's investigation cited 11 safety violations at the Columbus metal staircase manufacturing facility. One willful violation was cited for failing to provide adequate machine guarding and exposing workers to struck-by and amputation hazards.
Ten serious violations involve failing to train workers adequately in the operation of scissor lifts; mark load ratings on machinery and slings; provide a hazardous energy control program; inspect cranes periodically; require usage of helmets or hand shields during arc welding; and provide machine guarding on grinders and chop saws.
Proposed penalties total $90,090. The company was previously inspected by OSHA in 2011, resulting in two serious violations.
Tyson Foods Cited after Worker’s Hand Severed by Unguarded Machine
"Removing guards and failing to train workers in proper lockout procedures is inexcusable," said Judy Freeman, OSHA's area director in Wichita. "Tyson Foods failed to ensure safety procedures, demonstrating a lack of commitment to workplace safety and health and resulting in a tragic injury."
OSHA began its inspection upon learning of the amputation, which occurred June 17 when four workers were cleaning conveyor equipment at the end of their shift. Guarding on the conveyor was removed, exposing workers to rotating parts. A worker's frock and the employee's arm were then pulled into moving gears of a conveyor that had not been locked out to prevent unintentional operation. Two willful violations involve failing to train workers on lockout/tagout procedures and to lock out equipment to prevent the unintentional operation of equipment and exposure to amputation hazards.
One serious violation involves fall hazards when workers ascend the upper platform work area in two separate plant locations. The company failed to provide fixed stairs to reach the work areas.
An other-than-serious violation involves lack of legible markings on forklift levers.
Due to the nature and severity of violations, the company has been placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law. OSHA's SVEP focuses on recalcitrant employers that endanger workers by committing willful, repeat, or failure-to-abate violations. Under the program, OSHA may inspect any of the employer's facilities if it has reasonable grounds to believe there are similar violations.
The Hutchinson plant has been inspected by OSHA five times in the past 10 years, resulting in seven violations.
Tyson Foods, Inc., headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods. Approximately 115,000 workers are employed at more than 400 facilities and offices nationwide and overseas, with 150 workers at the Hutchinson facility.
Grand Rock Co. Fined $52,500 after Worker has Fingers Amputated by Unguarded Machine
Grand Rock Co. Inc., has been cited by OSHA for one willful and one serious safety violation after a worker suffered the amputation of four fingers on June 12. The employee was operating an unguarded machine that bends tubes at the Painesville automotive parts manufacturer.
"It's unacceptable that Grand Rock Co. failed to provide adequate machine guarding in its facility and that a week after this tragic incident, the machine remained unguarded and in use, exposing other workers to similar injuries," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "Employers must take all precautions to protect workers from known hazards that exist in their facilities."
One willful violation was cited for failing to ensure points of operation were guarded on the tube bending machine, which is used to manufacture automotive exhaust systems.
Additionally, one serious violation was cited for failing to develop specific lockout/tagout procedures.
OSHA has proposed penalties of $52,500.
Joe Newman Drywall Cited for Repeat, Serious Violations
OSHA has cited Joe Newman Drywall of Phenix City, Alabama, for six repeat and one serious safety violation following an inspection at a job site on Veterans Parkway in Columbus. The agency initiated the inspection in August as part of its regional emphasis program on falls in construction. Proposed penalties total $66,440.
"This employer has repeatedly demonstrated a disregard for workers' safety by failing to correct previously identified workplace hazards," said Christi Griffin, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office. "This employer must eliminate these hazards from the workplace immediately."
The repeat violations, with $64,680 in penalties, include the employer failing to ensure metal-framed scaffolding was properly braced; use of toe boards or other barriers to prevent falling objects; scaffold platforms and walkways were at least 18 inches wide; and that scaffolding was protected with a guardrail, safety net or personal fall arrest system. Additional violations include failing to ensure the scaffold platform was fully planked and to have a ladder to access the upper level of the working platform. The company received citations for similar violations in 2009.
The serious safety violation, with $1,760 in penalties, involves failing to ensure that workers were provided and utilized head protective equipment while working underneath a scaffold.
It was developed in partnership with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and NIOSH's National Occupational Research Agenda program.
Pennsylvania Roofing Company Exposes Workers to Excessive Heat
OSHA has cited United States Roofing Corp., for a serious violation of its general duty clause related to exposing workers to heat hazards while they performed hot tar roofing operations at Chichester Middle School in Boothwyn. OSHA proposed a $7,000 fine, the maximum penalty permitted for a serious violation, after its July investigation. The investigation was opened in response to a referral from the Boothwyn Fire Department when three workers suffered from heat stress at the work site and were sent to the hospital.
The violation involves the company's failure to provide a program addressing heat-related hazards in the workplace. In this case, workers were outdoors in direct sunlight, under a peak heat index of 105 degrees, performing roofing work. Working with 425-degree roofing tar materials significantly increased their heat exposure. During that time, the employer did not provide a work-rest regimen, ensure adequate water consumption or train workers on recognizing the signs, symptoms, and preventive measures of heat-related illnesses.
"Without a proper system in place that affords employees the necessary amounts of water, rest and shade, they can quickly and easily be overcome by heat illness," said Domenick Salvatore, director of OSHA's Philadelphia office. "It is vital that this company take the necessary steps to protect employees exposed to excessive heat to prevent future incidents."
College Station Equestrian Building Collapses, Injures Four Workers
OSHA has cited Houston-based employers Gamma Construction Co., and Ramco Erectors, Inc., for eight serious violations for failing to maintain the structural stability of the erection of a steel structure intended to serve the Texas A&M University equestrian shelter. The inspection began June 22 in response to the building collapse that day that injured four workers.
"Employers erecting steel structures must follow proper procedures for bracing and ensure an erection sequence that maintains the building's stability," said Casey Perkins, OSHA's area director in Austin. "Employers must ensure their work sites are evaluated for hazards and take corrective action to prevent injuries."
Ramco Erectors was cited for seven serious violations, with a penalty of $40,500, for failing to ensure that the steel structure was erected to maintain its structural stability; ensure fall protection components and wire rope clips used for rigging were of the drop-forged steel type; train workers on hazard recognition; provide a site-specific erection plan; inspect rigging components; and remove defective lifting hooks.
Gamma Construction, the project's general contractor, was cited for one serious violation, with a penalty of $6,300, for failing to ensure the steel structure was erected to maintain structural stability.
Integrated Airline Services Fined $55,000 for Repeat Safety Violations
Integrated Airline Services, Inc., has been cited by OSHA for two repeat safety violations at its Franklin Park shipping and receiving warehouse. OSHA initiated an inspection in September after a complaint alleged the company operated powered industrial vehicles in disrepair. Proposed penalties total $55,000.
"Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers by correcting hazards, such as maintaining powered industrial vehicles in good working order," said Diane Turek, OSHA's area director for the Chicago North Area Office in Des Plaines. "Workers should never be asked to operate vehicles with unsecured propane tanks and in disrepair. Employers who are cited for repeat and failure-to-abate citations demonstrate a lack of commitment to worker safety and health."
Two repeat violations include failing to mount removable fuel tanks securely on powered industrial trucks to prevent them from jarring loose, slipping or falling during operation. The company also was operating vehicles with bad tires, missing and damaged panels, and broken hydraulics.
Similar violations were cited in July 2012 at the same facility.
Jones Utility and Contracting Co. Fined more than $68,000 for Exposing Workers to Trenching Hazards
OSHA has cited Jones Utility and Contracting Co., Inc., for three repeat and one serious safety violation following an inspection at a job site on Five Mile Road in Birmingham. The agency initiated the July inspection as part of its national emphasis program on trenching and excavation. Proposed penalties total $68,530.
The company received citations for similar violations in 2010 and 2012.
"A trench without cave-in protection can collapse and bury workers beneath tons of soil and debris before they have a chance to react or escape," said Ramona Morris, OSHA's area director in Birmingham. "The employer was aware of OSHA's safety standards with regard to excavation and trenching, but chose to put lives at risk by allowing work to continue inside an unprotected trench."
The serious safety violation, with $3,850 in penalties, involves failing to train workers to recognize and avoid hazards within a trench.
OSHA standards mandate that all excavations 5 feet or deeper be protected against collapse.
Thompson Building Wrecking Co. Exposes Workers to Asbestos, other Hazards
OSHA has cited Thompson Building Wrecking Co., Inc., based in Augusta, Georgia, for four violations after exposing workers to asbestos during demolition at the Grovetown Elementary School in Grovetown. OSHA initiated the July inspection after receiving a complaint. Proposed penalties are $63,700.
"Although the employer was aware of the presence of asbestos-containing material and familiar with its hazards, no preventive action was taken to protect employees," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "It is the employer's responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace."
One willful citation, with a $49,000 penalty, was issued for knowingly exposing workers to asbestos-containing material by a skid steer loader with a grapple attachment to remove debris from scrap metal. The debris contained asbestos material and was allowed to accumulate on the ground.
Three serious violations were also cited, with $14,700 in penalties, for the employer's failure to conduct asbestos work, and its removal, within a regulated area to minimize exposure; not monitoring exposure levels during removal of asbestos-containing material; and exposing workers to inhalation hazards from unbagged asbestos-containing material.
Thompson Building Wrecking specializes in demolition, asbestos removal, and large container services.
Barrette Outdoor Living Fined $66,550 for Serious Safety and Health Violations
OSHA has cited Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc., for 14 safety and health violations. An inspection of the fence manufacturing facility in Pendergrass began in August after OSHA received a complaint, resulting in $66,550 in proposed penalties.
"This inspection identified a wide range of safety and health hazards that need to be eliminated from the workplace to protect workers from serious injury or death," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta East Area Office. "It is the employer's responsibility to provide a safe and healthful work environment."
Twelve serious safety and health violations include failing to:
- Provide training on the hearing protection standard
- Require workers handling corrosive chemicals to use personal protective equipment
- Develop a written hazard communication program for workers in areas with chemicals
- Develop a noise monitoring program
- Inspect storage racks to prevent collapse
- Develop an energy control program for maintaining equipment with multiple energy sources
- Reduce air hose pressure to less than 30 pounds-per-square-inch for cleaning
- Provide an emergency eyewash station where corrosive chemicals were being used
- Develop an educational program for the required use of fire extinguishers
- Provide machine guarding on several pieces of equipment to prevent amputation hazards
Two other-than-serious safety and health violations, with no monetary penalty, involve failing to post a copy of the hearing protection standard where hearing protection is required and to post the load capacity rating above the office being used for storage.
US Postal Service Cited after Heat-Related Death of Mail Carrier During Heat Wave
"Heat stress illnesses and fatalities can be prevented with knowledge. Knowing how to recognize and respond to symptoms can save a life," said Jeffrey Erskine, OSHA's area director for Middlesex and Essex counties in Massachusetts. "In this case, the Postal Service had such information, but failed to communicate it to letter carriers, so they could protect themselves. Had this been done, this tragedy could have been prevented."
James Baldassarre collapsed on July 5 after walking his route for about five hours in 94-degree heat with a heat index in excess of 100 degrees. He carried a mailbag weighing up to 35 lb. The area was under a heat advisory from the National Weather Service. Baldassarre died the next day as a result of heat stroke.
OSHA's investigation found that the Postal Service exposed workers to the recognized hazard of working in excessive heat by failing to implement an adequate heat stress management program that would have addressed and informed mail carriers of how to identify, prevent, and report symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
The citation includes suggested feasible means to address the hazard including adequately implementing a heat stress management program tailored to the particulars of the work performed by mail carriers. An effective program would contain measures to address the recognized hazard of exposure to excessive heat and it would train workers to recognize, prevent, respond to and report heat-related illnesses.
The citation carries a proposed fine of $7,000, the maximum fine that can be assessed for a serious violation.
Safety News Links