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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2004 - 06/16/2004 - OSHA Cites Naples Company for Exposing Workers to Safety Hazards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 4 News Release Release Number: 04-1007-ATL (124) Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2004 Contact: Powell McDonald or Dan Fuqua Phone: (954) 424-0242 (404) 562-2078 OSHA Cites Naples Company for Exposing Workers to Safety Hazards
Proposes Over $135,000 in Penalties FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Krehling Industries Inc. for failing to protect workers from "caught and crush" hazards at the company's Naples plant. OSHA's investigation found that a Krehling employee was caught between machinery and a pallet while adjusting a machine switch on Dec. 18, sustaining severe rib, lung and shoulder injuries. "Employers must protect employees from workplace hazards," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "The significant penalty of $135,500 in this case demonstrates the Administration's commitment to protecting the health and safety of American workers." OSHA issued two willful citations, with proposed penalties of $110,000, for failing to apply lockout devices that would isolate all energy sources and render machinery inoperable during servicing or repair, and for failing to guard machinery parts so they could not come in contact with employees. The company had been cited previously for similar violations. The agency also cited the company for eight serious violations, with proposed penalties of $25,500, including failure to properly guard other machinery, properly store chemicals and lower the forks of a forklift before leaving it unattended. The agency issues a serious citation when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard. Krehling Industries has 15 working days to contest the OSHA citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by staff from OSHA's Ft. Lauderdale area office located in the Jacaranda Executive Court, 8040 Peters Rd., Bldg H-100; phone: (954) 424-0242. The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted almost 40,000 inspections in fiscal year 2003, an increase of more than 2,000 over fiscal year 2002 inspection levels; more than half focused on high-hazard industries. 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. ###
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