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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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OSHA News Release
2004 - 04/01/2004 - Inattention to Workplace Safety Leads to $84,750 Fine for Chicago Furniture Manufacturer |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 5 News Release 04-567-CHI April 1, 2004 Contact: Brad Mitchell Phone: (312) 353-6976 Inattention to Workplace Safety Leads to $84,750 Fine for Chicago Furniture Manufacturer
CHICAGO -- A Chicago southside company is facing $84,750 in fines following an inspection by the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that allegedly revealed serious and willful workplace hazards. OSHA opened its investigation at Belcino, Inc., 3951 S. Canal, Chicago, following receipt of a formal complaint. OSHA has alleged serious safety violations including machine guarding issues, electrical hazards and potential fall problems. Serious workplace health violations were alleged for noise, control of wood dust and potential explosion hazards. OSHA issued alleged willful violations for over-exposures to wood dust and deficiencies in the company's "lockout/tagout" program to ensure that machinery does not start up accidentally when workers are performing repairs or maintenance. "Belcino, Inc. has had 11 previous OSHA inspections since 1987," said OSHA Area Director Gary Anderson, Calumet City. "Continuing problems with machinery lockout hazards and with over-exposure to wood dust must be addressed at this facility to ensure the safety of the roughly 40 men and women working there." The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. In fiscal year 2003, OSHA conducted almost 40,000 inspections, an increase of more than 2,000 inspections over FY 2002 levels; more than half focused on high-hazard industries. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is dedicated to saving lives, preventing injuries and illnesses and protecting the health and safety of America's workers. # # #
U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at <htt://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/compliancep. |
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