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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2006 - 09/13/2006 - OSHA Fines Chicago Metal Forger $235,000 for Workplace Safety and Health Violations |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 5 News Release: 06-1564-chi Sept. 13, 2006 Contact: Brad Mitchell Phone: (312)353-6976 OSHA Fines Chicago Metal Forger $235,000 for Workplace Safety and Health Violations
CHICAGO -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $235,000 in fines against A. Finkl & Sons Company, Chicago, for alleged willful and serious violations of workplace safety and health standards. OSHA opened an inspection at the specialty metal forgings manufacturer in Chicago in March 2006 after receiving a formal complaint related to an alleged lack of safety inspections and possible oil leaks in forging equipment. The investigation resulted in citations issued to Finkl alleging three willful and seven serious violations of federal workplace safety and health regulations. The alleged willful violations addressed hazards associated with lack of guardrails and/or covers for open pits, vats, tanks and similar hazardous openings, failure to perform necessary maintenance on hydraulic forging presses that leaked hydraulic oil, and for safety issues involving powered industrial trucks. The alleged serious violations included fall protection, personal protective equipment issues, electrical hazards, and guarding of moving belts. OSHA issues a serious citation when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. Violations are categorized as willful where there is either an intentional disregard or plain indifference to employee safety or OSHA regulations. "When employers shirk their responsibility to keep the workplace free of such hazards, the results can be tragic for workers and their families," said OSHA Area Director Diane Turek, Des Plaines, Ill. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. 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) 693-7765 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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