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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2004 - 12/02/2004 - OSHA Cites Little Ferry Company for Machine Hazards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 2 News Release: 04-2359-NEW (osha 04-184) Date: Thurs., Dec. 2, 2004 Contact: Leni Uddyback-Fortson Phone: (215) 861-5102 OSHA Cites Little Ferry Company for Machine Hazards
Proposes More Than $229,000 in Fines HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, N.J. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Star Manufacturing Inc., Little Ferry, N.J., for alleged safety and health violations. Star Manufacturing makes a variety of plastic products, including kitchen utensils and electrical wiring enclosures, and employs 110 workers. "Strong enforcement is a key part of this Administration's effort to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "The significant penalty of $229,050 in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of American workers." OSHA initiated an investigation on May 25, 2004 in response to a referral made by the Little Ferry police department alleging that an employee suffered amputated fingers after an accident on a press machine that occurred the day before. The investigation resulted in citations for six alleged willful violations, with a penalty of $200,000; 15 alleged serious violations, with a penalty of $29,050; and two alleged other-than-serious violations, which carry no penalty. Willful citations were issued due to the company's failure to establish a "lockout/tagout" program to prevent an inadvertent machine start-up; failure to develop and maintain a hazard communication program for employees who work with hazardous chemicals; failure to guard machinery; and failure to cover unused openings containing live electrical parts. The serious citations address the company's failure to guard machinery; to protect employees exposed to an open-sided platform; to keep electrical equipment free from recognized hazards; and to institute a hearing conservation program and provide personal protective equipment. The other-than-serious citations were issued for allowing employees to eat in areas exposed to toxic materials and unsanitary bathrooms. Willful violations are those committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations. Serious violations are those in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The company has 15 working days from the receipt of the citations to decide to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights office, located at 500 Route 17 South. Phone: (201) 288-1700. The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2004. 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 standard, 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 <http://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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