Wisconsin shipyard faces nearly $1.4M in penalties for exposing workers to lead, and other hazards
OSHA cited Fraser Shipyards Inc. with willful egregious health violations for each of 14 workers who were overexposed to lead while they retrofitted a ship’s engine room. Test sampling conducted by OSHA inspectors showed the workers’ had lead levels up to 20 times the exposure limit. Inspectors additionally issued five willful violations for the company’s failure to conduct monitoring to assess employee exposure to lead, implement a lead compliance program or a respiratory protection program for lead, and provide training on lead and asbestos hazards. Workers were also exposed to other heavy metals. OSHA opened its health inspection—which also resulted in citations for 10 serious violations—after receiving multiple complaints of unsafe working conditions. OSHA issued proposed penalties of $1,395,000 and placed the Wisconsin shipyard operator in the agency’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program for failing to address safety and health hazards.
“Fraser Shipyards accepted a contract with a very low profit margin and penalties for delayed completion, but could not meet the schedule without endangering its workers,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels. “When companies prioritize profits and deadlines over the health and safety of their workforce, it is the workers who pay the price. Law-breaking employers must be held accountable for their unlawful behavior.” For more information, see the news release.
New York manufacturer fined $197K after failing to correct combustible dust, explosion hazards despite 2015 fire
RWS Manufacturing Inc. was cited and fined $197,820 in penalties after an OSHA follow-up inspection found the company exposed workers to explosion, fire and fall hazards. The Queensbury, N.Y., wood shavings manufacturer failed to correct combustible dust hazards involving its dust collection system, as it had agreed to following an inspection in 2012. Wood dust, when suspended in the air, can explode with a force that can kill workers and destroy entire buildings.
“Especially disturbing is the fact that, since OSHA’s last inspection, a significant fire occurred in the plant’s production area in December 2015,” said Robert Garvey, OSHA’s area director in Albany. The company also failed to inspect fire extinguishers annually and remove wood dust that created fire and slip, trip and fall hazards. Read the news release for more information.
Colorado steel mill fined $103K for exposing workers to hazards
OSHA cited Evraz Inc. with 11 serious and repeat violations after the company exposed workers to safety hazards at its Pueblo, Colo., steel-making facility. The agency conducted the inspection under its National Emphasis Program for Amputations. Violations found included: lack of guardrails on open-sided floors and platforms; failing to properly inspect the operation of overhead cranes and make needed repairs; and failing to provide bumper stops to prevent rail cars from rolling in a crosswalk or vehicular traffic. The company was issued proposed fines of $103,820. See the news brief for more information.
Macy’s and The Finish Line face more than $103K in penalties for blocked exits, electrical and other hazards at Florida store
A Macy’s department store in Aventura, Fla., was cited for repeated and serious safety violations after OSHA inspectors found blocked exits and electric shock hazards. A complaint of workplace injuries and hazards led inspectors to the facility where other violations found included: padlocks on exit doors; workers exposed to fire hazards because exit routes were not clearly marked; and workers exposed to electric shock from unprotected wiring to outlet boxes. Inspectors also cited The Finish Line Inc., an athletic footwear and apparel store renting space in Macy’s store, for failing to keep the storage area uncluttered and for blocking exit routes. OSHA proposed penalties of $103,220. Read the news release for more information.
Staffing agencies and manufacturers jointly fined for endangering workers in Alabama and Texas
Staffing agencies and host employers are jointly responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for temporary workers — including, for example, ensuring that OSHA’s training, hazard communication, and recordkeeping requirements are fulfilled. In two recent cases, OSHA held both the host and temporary employers responsible for violations of OSHA standards.
In Alabama, OSHA inspected automobile parts manufacturer Pyongsan America Inc.’s Auburn facility and found that both permanent and temporary employees faced the dangers of being caught in machinery or hit by objects and the risk of suffering amputations. The inspection was conducted as part of OSHA’sRegional Emphasis Program on Safety Hazards in the Auto Parts Industry. The agency cited Pyongsan and its staffing firm, Surge Staffing LLC, for 11 safety violations, including four repeat citations to Pyongsan. Combined, the companies face $106,020 in penalties. For details, read the news release.
In Texas, oil and gas equipment manufacturer Exterran Energy Solutions LP and its staffing firm, South Texas Specialty Welders LLC, were cited for a combined 34 safety violations, including two repeat citations for Exterran. OSHA issued proposed penalties of $120,800 following a complaint-initiated inspection. The repeat citations were issued because the employer failed to ensure proper disposal of contaminated materials and did not ensure proper labeling of containers with hazardous chemicals. OSHA cited Exterran in 2014 for similar violations at the same worksite. For details, read the news release.
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.