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OSHA News Release
2003 - 12/23/2003 - OSHA Cites Knickerbocker Bed Co. For Safety And Health Violations |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 3 News Release: OSHA 03-956-PHL Date: Tues., Dec. 23, 2003 Contact: Leni Uddyback-Fortson Office: (215) 861-5102 OSHA Cites Knickerbocker Bed Co. For Safety And Health Violations CARLSTADT, N.J. -- Machine-guarding hazards and hearing conservation deficiencies at Knickerbocker Bed Co., have prompted the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration to cite the Carlstadt, N.J bed frame manufacturer for alleged safety and health violations and to propose $168,500 in penalties. The company employs 40 workers. OSHA initiated an inspection in June as part of its national emphasis program to prevent work-related amputations, and expanded the inspection to address high noise levels and lack of a hazard communication program. Citations were issued for four alleged willful violations with a proposed penalty of $132,500; and 22 alleged serious violations, with a proposed penalty of $36,000. "The company was well aware of safety and health standards for preventing inadvertent machine start-ups and protecting against hearing loss, but chose not to adhere to them," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "The substantial proposed penalties of $168,500 demonstrate this Administration's commitment to strong and fair enforcement." Willful citations were issued for failure to develop, document or use lockout/tagout procedures; failure to properly guard machines; and failure to institute a hearing conservation program. Alleged serious violations include the company's failure to provide personal protective equipment for employees exposed to chemicals; failure to develop or implement a hazard communication program; failure to properly label chemical containers; failure to train employees on the hazardous chemical used at the facility; failure to maintain unobstructed exit routes; failure to provide fire extinguishers where flammable liquids were stored; and failure to implement a permit-required confined space entry program. Willful violations are those committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to the Occupational Safety and health Act and regulations. Serious violations are those in which a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The company has 15 working days from the receipt of the citations to decide to comply, to request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The Hasbrouck Heights OSHA Office, 500 Route 17 South, 2nd Floor, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604, conducted the inspection. Phone: (201) 288-1700. 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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