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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2003 - 12/15/2003 - OSHA Cites Mobile Company For Serious Safety Hazards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 4 News Release: 03-876-ATL (291) Mon., Dec. 15, 2003 Contact: Ken Atha/Jo Anne Burgoyne Phone: (251) 441-6131/(404) 562-2076 OSHA Cites Mobile Company For Serious Safety Hazards Proposed Penalties Total Over $65,000 MOBILE, Ala. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Distribution International and proposed penalties totaling $65,250 for exposing workers to 20 alleged serious safety hazards at the company's Armour Drive fabrication shop. Employees at the plant cut and shape foam glass used as pipe insulation. During an inspection that began June 11, workers were observed using band saws and abrasive grinders without safety guards. Numerous electrical hazards were also observed including machines with faulty electrical switches and cords, missing covers on electrical panels and outlet boxes and inadequate wiring. "Protecting workers must be a priority for employers," said Ken Atha, OSHA's Mobile area director. "Machines must be guarded to prevent workers from being injured by moving parts, as well as adequate wiring to protect against electrocution." OSHA also found that the company had no emergency action plan, failed to implement a lockout/tagout program that would render machinery inoperable during repairs and maintenance, did not provide forklift and fire extinguisher training to employees, failed to provide fall protection for employees working from a 9-foot platform and exposed employees to slip hazards by allowing leaking water to accumulate on the floor. Distribution International has 15 working days to contest the OSHA citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Staff from OSHA's Mobile area office located at 3737 Government Blvd, Suite 100, conducted the investigation. The office phone number is (251) 441-6131. OSHA has a compliance assistance program, separate and distinct from its enforcement program, to help employers comply with agency standards and regulations. 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 or contact the Mobile OSHA office. ###
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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