Region 2 News Release:   N194
October 11, 2001
Contact: Chester Fultz
Phone: (212) 337-2319

GRANVILLE, N.Y. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Telescope Casual Furniture of 85 Church St. for exposing employees to serious injury by failing to provide guards on bending machines. Proposed penalties total $49,500.

An alleged willful citation was issued to the company after an inspection conducted from April 10 to July 23, following complaints of unsafe working conditions. The inspection revealed two employees suffered injuries in which their hands were crushed, requiring partial amputation of their fingers.

"Proper machine guarding would have prevented this accident," said John Tomich, OSHA's area director in Albany.

A willful violation is defined by OSHA as one committed with an intentional disregard for, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the OSH act and regulations.

The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Albany area office, located at 401 New Karner Road, Albany, NY, 12205. Telephone (518)464-6742.

The company has until October 26 to contest the citation.