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OSHA News Release
2004 - 12/06/2004 - OSHA Cites Douglas, Ga., Plant For Exposing Workers to Amputation Hazards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 4 News Release Release Number: 04-2415-ATL (281) Monday, December 06, 2004 Contact: Kurt Petermeyer Jo Anne Burgoyne Phone: (912) 652-4393 (404) 562-2076 OSHA Cites Douglas, Ga., Plant For Exposing Workers to Amputation Hazards
Agency Proposes $150,000 in Total Penalties SAVANNAH, Ga. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Elixir Industries for alleged safety violations that contributed to the amputation of an employee's fingers at the company's Douglas plant. "Strong enforcement is a key part of this Administration's efforts to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "The significant penalty of $150,000 in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of America's workers." OSHA issued one willful citation to Elixir, with a proposed penalty of $55,000, for allowing a defective mechanical power press to continue operating after being notified that repairs and maintenance were necessary. An operator later lost three fingers due to the press' malfunction. The company also received three repeat citations, with proposed penalties totaling $62,500, for failing to conduct required power press inspections and testing and for failing to train press operators. The agency also cited the California-based company and proposed penalties totaling $32,500 for eight alleged safety hazards, including: lack of safety devices for power presses; and failure to develop and implement a "lockout-tagout" program to render machinery inoperable during maintenance and repair. The company, which manufactures aluminum extrusions for automotive trim, window and doors at the Douglas plant, has 15 working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Savannah area office located at 450 Mall Boulevard, Suite J; phone: (912) 652-4393. In the 2004 fiscal year, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted more than 39,000 inspections. 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 <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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