Region 1 News Release: 09-262-BOS/BOS 2009-068
Wed., March 18, 2009
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074

U.S. Labor Department's OSHA proposes nearly $110,000 in fines against Wyman Gordon Co. for hazards at Grafton, Mass., plant

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Wyman Gordon Co. for 29 alleged serious violations of safety standards at its Grafton, Mass., manufacturing plant.

The metal forgings manufacturer faces $109,500 in proposed fines following two OSHA inspections conducted between September 2008 and March 2009. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.

The first inspection, conducted under OSHA's Site-Specific Targeting program, identified damaged support structures for overhead cranes; damaged support frames for large metal dies; slipping and tripping hazards; unguarded floors and platforms; missing access stairs; a damaged access ladder; non-functioning emergency exit lights; an overloaded fork truck; an overloaded lifting attachment; defective wire rope slings; unguarded machinery; improper storage of compressed gas cylinders and several electrical safety deficiencies.

OSHA began the second inspection in response to a Dec. 23 accident in which two employees were injured when they were struck by a 700-pound forging that shot up in the air while they were attempting to free it from a malfunctioning die on a power press. OSHA cited Wyman Gordon for not developing procedures to prevent the build-up and release of hazardous energy generated by the press during the servicing.

"Each of these conditions must be addressed promptly, completely and effectively to prevent future accidents and injuries, and help ensure the safety and health of the plant's employees," said Mary Hoye, OSHA's area director for central and western Massachusetts.

Wyman Gordon has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Springfield Area Office, telephone 413-785-0123.

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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