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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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OSHA News Release
2003 - 12/01/2003 - OSHA Fines Appleton Employer $138,000 Following Investigation of Explosive Blast |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 5 News Release 03-739-CHI Dec. 1, 2003 Contact: Brad Mitchell Phone: 312-353-6976 OSHA Fines Appleton Employer $138,000
Following Investigation of Explosive Blast APPLETON, Wis. -- An Appleton, Wis., company is facing $138,600 in fines proposed by the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following a June 2003 accident in which an employee died from electrocution while conducting an explosive blast underneath power lines during road construction work for a new roadway on Highway 45 near New London, Wis. An OSHA investigation into the fatality revealed that Ahlgrimm Explosives, Inc., a company that conducts blasting operations in quarries and for road building, directed employees to blast in the proximity of overhead power lines without taking measures for safe control, and for allowing an individual not adequately trained or experienced in such blasts to perform the work, alleged willful violations of federal workplace safety standards. The agency also designated as willful the use of electric blasting caps where high power lines made the use of electric blasting caps dangerous. "Ahlgrimm Explosives was fully aware of this deadly hazard, but failed to protect workers," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This Administration is committed to protecting workers from such tragedies, and this significant fine of more than $138,000 demonstrates that we will vigorously enforce safety standards." The company, founded in 1963, employs approximately 26 workers and has an extensive inspection history with the U.S. Labor Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration. OSHA Area Director Melvin Lischefski, Appleton, Wis., said that the company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA 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 ### 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. |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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