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OSHA News Release
2007 - 08/13/2007 - U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites Uniontown company for continued workplace safety and health hazards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 3 News Release: 07-1215-PHI (osha 07-129) Aug. 13, 2007 Contact: Leni Uddyback-Fortson Phone: (215) 861-5102 U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites Uniontown company for continued workplace safety and health hazards
UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $166,400 in fines against Shane Felter Industries Inc. for multiple alleged workplace safety and health violations. The Uniontown company, which fabricates and paints steel beams used in bridge and road construction, has 62 employees. OSHA initially selected Shane Felter for inspection after reviewing the company's occupational injury and illness data. The inspection later was expanded to follow up on previously cited hazards that had not been abated. OSHA has issued one willful citation, with a proposed penalty of $56,000, alleging that the company did not repair or replace defective parts to ensure the safe operation of seven overhead cranes. Sixteen repeat violations, with proposed penalties of $67,200, were issued due to violations involving crane operators, forklift operations, hazardous materials, obstructed exits, an inadequate hearing conservation program and inadequate personal protective equipment. Twenty-five serious violations, with proposed penalties of $40,800, were issued for a variety of hazards, including a deficient lockout/tagout program, which is intended to prevent inadvertent machine start-ups; use of damaged equipment; exposed live electrical parts; lack of explosion-proof equipment; and use of open flames or spark-producing equipment near flammable liquids. Four other-than-serious violations with proposed penalties of $2,400 also were issued. "Shane Felter Industries' refusal to remove hazards ultimately threatens the safety and health of its employees," said Robert Szymanski, director of OSHA's area office in Pittsburgh. "It is imperative that this employer correct these violations to prevent a potential tragedy." OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Repeat citations are issued when an employer has previously been cited for a substantially similar violation and that citation and its penalty have become final. Serious violations are issued when there is a substantial probability that death or serious injury could occur from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. Shane Felter Industries has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Pittsburgh Area Office, telephone (412) 395-4903. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces 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 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. Call (202) 693-7765 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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