OSHA has issued 14 willful and repeat citations to Formed Fiber Technologies LLC after the company provided false documentation and made false representations claiming that previously cited hazards related to hydraulic presses had been corrected. OSHA initiated an inspection of the Sidney, Ohio, manufacturer as a follow-up to its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. Proposed fines total $816,500.
“Formed Fiber Technologies apparently decided that production was more important than ensuring its workers’ safety,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “They provided false abatement documentation to OSHA. They knew how hazardous these machines were without proper safeguards and also knew exactly how to fix those hazards. OSHA will not tolerate such blatant disregard for worker safety.”
A follow-up inspection also found that employees had been exposed to unguarded machines and unsafe maintenance procedures and were not trained on how to properly stop machines before service and maintenance. Read the news release for more information.
For assistance with your TSCA requirements or any of your environmental and health & safety (EHS) regulatory compliance, contact Ralph Carito at Total Environmental & Safety, LLC (Total) at 908-442-8599 or rcarito@TotalEnviron.com.