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OSHA News Release
2008 - 06/11/2008 - U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Family Video woodshop in Springfield, Ill., for workplace safety violations

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Region 5 News Release: 08-701-CHI
June 11, 2008
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976


U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Family Video woodshop in Springfield, Ill., for workplace safety violations

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $161,550 in fines against Family Video Movie Club Inc., Springfield, for alleged multiple willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards, the agency announced today.

OSHA selected Family Video Movie Club for inspection after the company failed to respond to an inquiry about safety conditions at the Springfield facility, which houses an office, warehouse and woodshop. As a result of that inspection, opened in December 2007, OSHA issued citations alleging two willful and 19 serious violations, with proposed penalties of $112,500 and $49,050 respectively.

The willful violations cited address safety problems with table saws including failure to guard the portion of the saw above the table with an appropriate hood and to have safety devices that prevent materials from being kicked back during operation. The serious violations address hazards associated with noise exposure, fire and electrical issues, a lack of personal protective equipment and improper handling of hazardous chemicals.

"Handling hazardous chemicals, electrical hazards and machine guarding issues are problems that should not exist at any worksite," said Nick Walters, director of OSHA's area office in Peoria, Ill. "Employers must remain dedicated to keeping the workplace safe and healthful, or face close scrutiny by this agency."

The woodshop in Springfield, which constructs shelving, cabinetry and countertops for all Family Video Movie Club rental stores, has been inspected by OSHA on two occasions since January 1995. OSHA issued nine serious violations that addressed machine guarding, noise exposure, electrical hazards and hazard communication.

OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.


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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department 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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