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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2007 - 03/05/2007 - Hamden, Conn. Manufacturer Faces $42,500 in Fines from U.S. Labor Department’s OSHA |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 1 News Release: 07-320-BOS/BOS 2007-052 March 5, 2007 Contact: Ted Fitzgerald Phone: (617) 565-2074 Hamden, Conn. Manufacturer Faces $42,500 in Fines from U.S. Labor Department’s OSHA
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations to Insulpane of Connecticut Inc. for a range of safety hazards at its Hamden, Conn., glass manufacturing plant. Proposed fines total $42,500. OSHA cited Insulpane of Connecticut for a total of 34 alleged serious and other-than-serious violations of safety standards following an inspection begun Jan. 4, 2007, under the federal job safety agency’s Site Specific Targeting program that focuses inspections on workplaces with higher than average injury or illness rates. “These citations encompass hazards that are, unfortunately, all too common in a manufacturing environment,” said Robert Kowalski, OSHA’s area director for southwestern Connecticut. “If such conditions are left uncorrected, they can expose employees to lacerations and crushing injuries, electrocution, fire, explosions, or being caught in moving machine parts or struck by forklifts.” OSHA’s inspection identified instances of unguarded or inadequately guarded moving machine parts and power tools; improper storage of compressed gas cylinders; lack of an emergency action plan and training; lack of lockout/tagout procedures and training; failure to assess the workplace for hazards that require the use of personal protective equipment; inadequate hazard communication; defects involving cranes, slings and powered industrial trucks; electrical hazards; an obstructed aisle; and failing to maintain work areas in a clean, orderly, sanitary and dry condition. These conditions resulted in 29 serious citations, carrying $41,500 in proposed fines. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The company was also issued five other-than-serious citations, with an additional $1,000 proposed fine, for incomplete recording of occupational injuries and illnesses, improper exit signage and deficiencies involving respiratory protection and hand tools. Kowalski stressed the importance of accurate recording of work-related injuries and illnesses as a marker for identifying and correcting potentially hazardous conditions that may hurt employees. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to request and participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area director or to contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA’s area office in Bridgeport, telephone (203) 579-5581. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure 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. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at 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) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL 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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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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