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OSHA News Release
2007 - 03/02/2007 - U.S. Labor Department's OSHA Cites Safety Violations at Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel's Mingo Junction Plant, Proposes $147,500 in Penalties |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 5 News Release: 07-226-chi March 2, 2007 Contact: Brad Mitchell Phone: (312)353-6976 U.S. Labor Department's OSHA Cites Safety Violations at Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel's Mingo Junction Plant, Proposes $147,500 in Penalties
Federal Action Follows September 2006 Fatality MINGO JUNCTION, Ohio -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $147,500 in fines against the Mingo Junction facility of Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Co., Wheeling, W.Va., for alleged willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards following the death of an employee in September 2006. OSHA opened an investigation after receiving notification that an employee had fallen from an elevated walkway that was not protected with guardrails. Two willful citations with proposed penalties totaling $140,000 were issued, alleging a lack of guardrails on a crane runway and the failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures and to conduct periodic inspections on those procedures. Two serious citations with proposed penalties of $7,500 were issued, alleging failure to post warning signs and lack of readily accessible disconnecting means for a crane power supply. "The tragedy of serious injuries and fatalities resulting from falls is made worse by the fact they are entirely preventable," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA area director in Columbus, Ohio. "It should not be difficult to recognize hazards that may lead to falls and to correct them before such tragedies occur." Since 1976, Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel facilities in Ohio have experienced 16 fatalities, including five resulting from falls. Twelve of the total fatalities have occurred at the Mingo Junction plant. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the current citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure 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. ###
U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at 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) 693-7828 or TTY (202) 693-7755. . DOL 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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