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OSHA News Release
2006 - 05/02/2006 - A.K. Steel and On-Site Sub-Contractor, Harsco Corp., Mansfield, Ohio Fined $147,000 for Violations of Federal Workplace Safety Regulations |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 5 News Release: 06-704-CHI Tuesday, May 2, 2005 Contact: Brad Mitchell Phone: 312-353-6976 A.K. Steel and On-Site Sub-Contractor, Harsco Corp., Mansfield, Ohio Fined $147,000 for Violations of Federal Workplace Safety Regulations
TOLEDO, Ohio -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $77,000 in fines against A.K. Steel Corp., Mansfield, Ohio and $70,000 in fines against Harsco Corp. Mansfield, following an inspection into the companies' operations at the A.K. Steel plant at 913 Bowman St., Mansfield. OSHA opened a complaint inspection in October 2005 after receiving information regarding potential lead hazards and personal protective equipment issues, and later expanded the investigation to address concerns about unsafe crane operations and potential lockout/tagout dangers. The federal workplace safety agency issued serious and willful citations to A.K. Steel and one willful citation to Harsco Corp. The serious violation issued to A.K. Steel, carrying a proposed penalty of $7,000 alleged that the crane was kept in operation despite a damaged wire rope that had the potential to fail. Both companies were issued willful violations for failing to lockout and/or tagout two furnaces while Harsco employees were cleaning slag pits below the furnaces. A. K. Steel was cited as the controlling employer on the site, while Harsco received the same citations as the exposing employer. "There is no question that these workers were allowed to risk their lives doing this work, when the activity could very easily have been conducted safely," said OSHA Area Director Jule Hovi, Toledo. "There is no excuse for allowing working men and women to work below tons of molten metal without taking every precaution to protect their lives." OSHA has conducted 159 inspections at A.K. Steel sites in Ohio since 1972, including 54 at the 913 Bowman St. site in Mansfield. These 159 inspections have resulted in the issuance of 20 willful, 21 repeat and 309 serious violations. Over 150 OSHA inspections have been conducted at sites owned and operated by Harsco since 1974 resulting in two willful, 11 repeat and 182 citations. 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 workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # # U.S. Labor Department (DOL) 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) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor 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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