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OSHA News Release
2004 - 11/08/2004 - Chicago Tortilla Maker Penalized $163,350 for Willful and Serious Workplace Safety and Health Violations |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 5 News Release 04-2220-chi Nov. 8, 2005 Contact: Brad Mitchell Phone: (312) 353-6976 Chicago Tortilla Maker Penalized $163,350 for
Willful and Serious Workplace Safety and Health Violations CHICAGO -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Tortilleria Atofonilco, Inc., Chicago, following its investigation into a formal complaint about a worker who suffered an amputation injury on May 1, 2004. "Strong enforcement is a key part of this Administration's efforts to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "The significant penalty of $163,350 in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of American workers." OSHA issued citations for alleged willful and serious violations of workplace health and safety standards. A willful health citation was issued for exposing workers to noise levels in excess of federal standards and failure to provide hearing protection, training and baseline audiograms to test for possible hearing loss. Willful safety violations include the failure of Tortilleria Atotonilco to ensure that maintenance workers were protected against accidental energizing of machines, a problem that has resulted in amputations on several occasions at the plant. Alleged serious safety violations included die cutter and dough machines that were unguarded to protect against amputations, failing to use flexible cords without splice or tap and using compressed air for cleaning at more than 30 pounds per square inch of pressure. Willful violations are those committed with an intentional disregard or plain indifference to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. A serious citation is issued 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 company employs some 100 workers at the Chicago location and more than 175 company-wide. Two previous OSHA inspections in April and June 2000 resulted in serious violations in hearing conservation, machine guarding failures, and lockout/tagout deficiencies. Tortilleria Atofonilco, Inc., has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance. |
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