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OSHA News Release
2004 - 10/08/2004 - OSHA Cites Norristown, Pa., Firm For Exposing Workers to Hazards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 3 News Release: 04-2030-PHI (osha 04-146) Date: Oct. 8, 2004 Contact: Leni Uddyback-Fortson Phone: (215) 861-5102 OSHA Cites Norristown, Pa., Firm For Exposing Workers to Hazards
NORRISTOWN, Pa. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations and proposed penalties to Gunton Corporation, doing business as Pella Windows and Doors Co., of Norristown, Pa., for allegedly failing to protect workers from falls and other hazards. "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 $103,050 in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of American workers." OSHA initiated an inspection on April 1 in response to a complaint about safety and health hazards. The inspection resulted in one willful citation, with a proposed penalty of $63,000; 14 alleged serious citations, with a proposed penalty of $40,050; and one other citation. The company, which assembles and distributes windows and doors and employs 160 workers, received the willful citation for not providing fall protection for employees working from elevated platforms. Alleged serious violations included failure to provide a permanent exit route, lack of machine guarding, exposed live electrical parts, lack of personal protective equipment, lack of eye wash or other suitable flushing facility, using workspace for storage, and deficiencies in safeguards for employees working in a spray paint booth. The other citation was issued for using flexible cords as a substitute for permanent wiring. Willful violations are those committed with an intentional disregard or plain indifference to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The company has 15 working days to contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA’s area office at 850 North 5th St., Allentown, Pa. Telephone (610) 776-0592. 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 FY 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. ###
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. Call (202) 693-7773 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 www.dol.gov/compliance. |
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