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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2003 - 03/27/2003 - Oklahoma, Idaho Companies Agree to Work with OSHA to Abate Ergonomic Hazards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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TRADE NEWS RELEASE Thursday, March 27, 2003 Contact: Bill WRight Phone: (202) 693-1999 Oklahoma, Idaho Companies Agree to Work with OSHA to Abate Ergonomic Hazards Washington, DC -- Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health John Henshaw announced today that Security Metal Products Corp. of Clinton, Okla., and Alpha Health Services of Post Falls, Idaho, have entered into agreements with the agency to work with OSHA to correct ergonomic hazards. The two companies were recently cited for multiple violations of workplace safety and health standards, including ergonomic issues. "OSHA's objective is to ensure that workers have safe and healthful workplaces in which to work," said Henshaw. "We are pleased that these companies have agreed to make specific changes to protect their workers. Both agreements represent a commitment by the company's management that they're serious about eliminating workplace hazards." Security Metal Products Corp. is a metal fabricating corporation that manufactures custom door frames. The agreement settles citations issued by OSHA following an August 2002 planned inspection. The company was cited for an ergonomic violation relating to materials handling, as well as violations of other safety and health standards. In addition to providing OSHA with a written detailed plan of abatement for violations, the company agreed to revise its safety and health program and to include an ergonomics program for worksite analysis, medical management and training and education. Alpha Health Services is a health care services provider that operates several nursing homes in the Post Falls area. During inspections held last November, seven of its facilities received citations for various workplace violations. Three of those facilities were cited for ergonomics issues relating to resident handling. Park House and Third Street, both of Post Falls, and Cassia House of Rathdrum, Idaho, have all agreed to implement a new policy for transferring and lifting residents using mechanical devices. That policy will include a worksite analysis, occupational health management, training and education, and hazard prevention and control. Security Metal Products inspection was conducted as part of OSHA's Site Specific Targeting (SST) inspection program for 2002. SST inspections are conducted at establishments with injury and illness rates much higher than the national average. Alpha Health Services was inspected under OSHA's National Emphasis Program for nursing and personal care facilities. Under terms of the settlement, both companies agreed to waive the right to contest the citations, and pay reduced penalties. Security Metal Products' penalty was reduced to $51,300, while the total penalty for all seven establishments of Alpha Health Services was reduced to $2,200. 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 news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative 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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