Region 6 News Release:   USUSDL-OSHA-01-13-02-01
Thurs., Feb. 1, 2001
Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd
Phone: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222 or 221

OSHA PROPOSES $58,900 PENALTY AGAINST KOEHLER BAKERY CO. INC., NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARK.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Koehler Bakery Co. Inc., in North Little Rock, Ark., with alleged safety and health violations and proposed penalties totaling $58,900, announced the U.S. Department of Labor.

The alleged violations resulted from a follow-up inspection that began Sept. 14, 2000. The company was cited for three alleged serious violations, which consisted of failing to provide covers for floor holes, failing to guard live electrical parts and failing to provide proper electrical wiring for equipment. A serious violation is one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result. The penalties totaled $3,900.

Additionally, the company was cited for failing to abate (correct) safety violations cited in a previous inspection that was conducted on January 27, 1999. The violations included improper machine guarding and failing to properly identify electrical circuits. The penalties for failing to abate the previous violations totaled $55,000.

Koehler employs about 40 workers at its Warden Road facility in North Little Rock.

Employers or workers who have questions concerning safety and health may contact the OSHA Little Rock area office at (501) 324-6291. They may also take advantage of the free consultation offered by the Arkansas Department of Labor Consultation Service at (501) 682-4520.

Koehler has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the Little Rock area director or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.