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OSHA News Release
2008 - 08/26/2008 - U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $138,500 in penalties against Cullman, Ala., metal fabricator for 31 safety and health violations |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 4 News Release: 08-983-ATL (191) Aug. 26, 2008 Contact: Michael Wald Phone: 404-562-2076 U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $138,500 in penalties against Cullman, Ala., metal fabricator for 31 safety and health violations
AAR Summa Technology facility producing products under contract to U.S. military BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing $138,500 in penalties after an inspection at AAR Summa Technology's Cullman, Ala., manufacturing plant revealed 26 safety and five health violations. "The hazards found during this inspection endanger both the safety and the long-term health of the 170 employees at this facility," said Roberto Sanchez, OSHA's area director in Birmingham. Inspectors identified 24 serious safety violations including unsafe storage of reactive chemicals, cryogenic tanks exposed to damage from moving equipment, an improperly equipped paint booth that lacked a fire suppression system, and improper storage and handling of flammable liquids. Employees lacking the proper protective equipment and work areas presented safety and fire hazards. Two repeat safety violations have been cited for failing to post danger signs in appropriate areas, and failing to develop and utilize lockout/tagout procedures, which are intended to prevent unintended machine startup. The company had been cited for similar violations after a 2005 inspection at its Huntsville, Ala., plant. In addition, OSHA has identified three serious health violations that address hazards associated with over-exposure to silica and zinc oxide fumes, and occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Two other-than-serious health violations have been cited for deficiencies with the respiratory protection program. AAR Summa Technology, which fabricates containerized pallets for the U.S. military at this site, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to contest the violations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The worksite was inspected by staff from OSHA's Birmingham Area Office at 950 22nd St., Room 1050; telephone 205-731-1534. OSHA's mission is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by preventing injuries, illnesses and fatalities. OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ### U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department 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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