|
U.S. Department of Labor | |
||||
| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
 |
|
OSHA News Release
2004 - 10/21/2004 - Chicago Food Producer Fined $172,350 For Federal Workplace Safety and Health Violations |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
|
Region 5 News Release USDL 04-1869-CHI Oct. 21, 2004 Contact: Brad Mitchell Phone: (312) 353-6976 Chicago Food Producer Fined $172,350
For Federal Workplace Safety and Health Violations CHICAGO -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations and proposed penalties to Appetizers And Inc. of Chicago following an April inspection into workplace safety and health practices at the facility. "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 $172,350 in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of American workers." The company was cited for willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety and health regulations. Specifically, OSHA alleged serious violations of workplace safety standards in the areas of electrical hazards, machine guarding, training issues, and obstructed exit routes. Willful violations were alleged against the firm for failing to protect against accidental energizing of machines, and for failing to train workers in energy control. Failure to lockout machinery from accidental energizing is a major cause of workplace amputations and other serious injuries. Appetizers And Inc. employs more than 600 workers in Chicago and has had three previous OSHA inspections resulting in citations for violations of personal protective equipment requirements, lockout regulations, and hazard communication standards, among others. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. In fiscal year 2003, OSHA conducted almost 40,000 inspections, an increase of more than 2,000 inspections over FY 2002 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. # # #
U.S. Labor Department 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 at (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 http://www.dol.gov/compliance. |
|
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
 Back to Top |
www.osha.gov | www.dol.gov |
Contact Us | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey Privacy and Security Statement | Disclaimers |
||
| Occupational Safety & Health Administration 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210 |
||
