Alabama roofing contractor sentenced for making false statements to OSHA inspectors following serious injury of three workers
In early August, Alabama roofing contractor Marcus Borden was sentenced to three years of probation and 30 hours of community service for making false statements to OSHA inspectors following the serious injury of three workers. The workers were on a metal roof without fall protection when a severe thunderstorm arrived, causing them to be blown against objects or off the roof. Injuries included the amputation of an arm and broken wrists, ribs, and a pelvis. During the subsequent investigation, Borden told an OSHA inspector that he was on the job site on the day of the accident and had obtained equipment to protect workers from falls. In fact, Borden obtained the equipment after the incident occurred. Borden also claimed that employees had been tied off when he knew that they were not. For more information, see the news release.
US Court of Appeals holds Maine construction company owner in contempt
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston held construction company owner Stephen Lessard in civil contempt after he defied a 2011 order to correct safety violations cited during OSHA inspections of 11 different worksites. Lessard, owner of Lessard Brothers Construction and Lessard Roofing & Siding Inc. in Greene, Maine, was also ordered to pay $405,000 in fines and interest. “It’s critically important that employers recognize their obligation to take all appropriate steps to ensure the safety and health of their workers,” said Kim Stille, OSHA’s New England regional administrator. The Aug. 24 judgment* orders Lessard to submit proof of correction for the cited hazards and pay $405,485 plus interest and fees to OSHA within 20 days, or face additional sanctions by the court. For more information, read the news release.
Young worker loses four fingers on first day on the job; Ohio company cited
A 21-year-old worker suffered severe burns and the loss of four fingers as he tried to clear a jam in a plastic molding machine during his first day on the job. OSHA cited his employer, Quality Blow Molding Inc. of Elyria, Ohio, for five willful, repeated and other-than-serious violations for failing to properly train the employee and failing to implement procedures to prevent machines from starting up during service and maintenance. “For the second time in two years, Quality Blow Molding intentionally and willfully disregarded OSHA standards and requirements for machine safety,” said Kimberly Nelson, OSHA’s area director in Toledo. The company has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program. Proposed penalties total $171,270. For more information, read the news release.
Dyson Corp. cited after 23-year-old machine operator loses part of finger
In the wake of an incident in which an employee lost part of his finger, OSHA found that Dyson Corp. of Painesville, Ohio, failed to train workers on safety procedures, including how to install machine guards on belts, pulleys and presses. The employee had been on the job for only three weeks when his finger became caught in a machine. The company was cited for eight willful, repeated and serious violations, totaling $170,170 in proposed penalties, and was placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program. “Since this incident occurred, the company has reached out to OSHA and is working to make significant changes in their safety and health management system,” said Howard Eberts, OSHA’s area director in Cleveland. For more information, see the news release.
Atlanta air filter company fined nearly $120K for exposing temp workers to serious safety hazards
American Air Filter Co. continues to expose temporary workers to amputation hazards, according to results of a recent OSHA investigation. The Atlanta-based air filter manufacturer was most recently cited for five repeated, serious and other-than-serious violations for failing to provide proper machine guarding and not following procedures to prevent machines from starting up unexpectedly during maintenance and servicing. The company employs temporary workers from two staffing agencies, which were not cited. “This company needs to address all workplace hazards, not just the ones for which penalties have been proposed,” said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA’s Atlanta-East Area Office. OSHA proposed penalties of $119,900 and placed the company in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program. Read the news brief for more information.
Hannaford Supermarkets reaches settlement with OSHA; agrees to implement safeguards for warehouse workers
Under terms of a settlement with OSHA, Hannaford Supermarkets has agreed to institute ongoing worker protection safeguards at its warehouses/distribution centers in Schodack Landing, N.Y., and South Portland, Maine. OSHA inspections in 2013 and 2014 found that the company failed to keep its centers free from hazards likely to cause musculoskeletal disorders. Hannaford agreed to: have a qualified ergonomist assess both centers and recommend how to address hazards identified by OSHA; establish an employee-manager ergonomics committee to make recommendations to the ergonomist and company; ensure that contractors’ employees have access to the same protective measures as Hannaford employees; and pay $9,750 in fines. “Hannaford is investing in preventing worker injuries,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “We urge other employers to follow its example.” See the news release for more information.
For more information or assistance with your Environmental and Health & Safety regulatory compliance needs, contact Ralph Carito at Total Environmental & Safety, LLC (Total) at rcarito@TotalEnviron.com or 908-442-8599.