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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2004 - 01/14/2004 - OSHA Cites New Britain General Hospital for Allegedly Exposing Employees to Safety and Health Hazards; Faces $91,500 in Fines |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 1 USDL 04-21-BOS/BOS 2004-009 Wednesday, January 14, 2004 Contact: John M. Chavez Phone: (617) 565-2075 OSHA Cites New Britain General Hospital for Allegedly Exposing Employees to Safety and Health Hazards; Faces $91,500 in Fines HARTFORD -- New Britain General Hospital faces fines of $91,500 for allegedly exposing employees to a variety of workplace safety and health hazards, the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced. OSHA began safety and health inspections of the hospital, located at 100 Grand Street, New Britain, Conn., in September, according to Thomas Guilmartin, OSHA's area director in Hartford. The inspections resulted in citations for 37 alleged "serious" violations and four "other-than-serious" violations of OSHA safety and health standards. The safety inspection resulted in 20 citations for alleged serious violations, including fall hazards, compressed gas storage hazards, confined space hazards, hazardous energy control, powered industrial truck hazards, machine guarding infractions, welding gas and electrical violations. These serious violations carry total proposed penalties of $42,000. Two other-than-serious violations with no monetary penalties pertain to minor electrical problems. The health inspection resulted in citations for 17 alleged serious violations, with total proposed penalties of $49,500. The citations were for hazards associated with bloodborne pathogens, respiratory protection requirements, eye wash stations, lead and cadmium exposures, formaldehyde exposures, hazard communication requirements and chemical hygiene. Two other-than-serious health violations relate to the proper labeling of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. OSHA defines a serious violation as one in which there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard. An other-than-serious violation is a condition that would probably not cause death or serious physical harm, but would have a direct and immediate impact on the safety and health of employees. New Britain General Hospital has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to either elect to comply with them, to request and participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA's Hartford area office conducted these inspections. The phone number is (860) 240-3152. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is dedicated to saving lives, preventing injuries and illnesses, and protecting America's workers. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ###
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