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OSHA News Release
2007 - 01/18/2007 - U.S. Labor Department's OSHA Fines Penny Curtiss Baking Co. $120,600 for Safety and Health Hazards at Syracuse Bakery

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Region 2 News Release:    07-47-NEW/BOS 2007-011
Jan. 18, 2007
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: (617) 565-2074


U.S. Labor Department's OSHA Fines Penny Curtiss Baking Co. $120,600 for Safety and Health Hazards at Syracuse Bakery

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A wide range of safety and health hazards at a Syracuse bakery has resulted in $120,600 in proposed fines from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Penny Curtiss Baking Co. Inc. which manufactures bread and other bakery products, was cited for a total of 42 alleged serious safety and health hazards at its 1810 Lemoyne Ave. production plant following an OSHA inspection begun in July in response to an employee complaint.

OSHA's inspection found blocked exit routes; deficiencies in the facility's emergency response plan; fall and tripping hazards; lack of procedures, training and equipment to lock out the power sources of machines before performing maintenance; unguarded moving machine parts; unsafe operation of forklifts; and numerous electrical hazards.

Also identified were hazards associated with lack of personal protective equipment, work in confined spaces, welding, chemical hazard communication, lack of an emergency eyewash station, unsecured gas cylinders, failing to provide medical exams and surveillance as well as respirator fit testing to members of the bakery's hazardous materials response team and failing to provide hearing tests for employees as well as retraining and refitting them with appropriate hearing protection. 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.

"Left uncorrected, these conditions expose employees to the hazards of falls, electrocution, being caught in moving machine parts, or in the accidental startup of machinery, burns, hearing loss, exposure to hazardous substances, or being struck by forklifts," said Chris R. Adams, OSHA's area director in Syracuse. "It's imperative for this employer to correct these hazards before employees are injured or killed."

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and fines to request and participate in an informal conference with OSHA or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's area office in Syracuse, located at 3300 Vickery Road, North Syracuse, (315) 451-0808.

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 OSHA's Web site at www.osha.gov.


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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) 693-7765 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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