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OSHA News Release
2009 - 02/02/2009 - U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Laureldale, Pa., company for workplace safety and health violations |
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Region 3 News Release: 09-89-PHI (osha 09-11) Feb. 2, 2009 Contact: Leni Fortson Phone: 215-861-5102 U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Laureldale, Pa., company for workplace safety and health violations
LAURELDALE, Pa. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Exide Technologies for alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, proposing a total of $102,000 in penalties. The company, which manufactures lead products, employs 100 people at its Laureldale site. OSHA initiated its inspection on Aug. 1, 2008, in response to a complaint. As a result of the inspection, the company received citations for seven repeat violations, with a $60,500 penalty; 19 serious violations, with $41,500 in penalties; and 10 other-than-serious violations, which carry no penalty. "Each of these hazards compromises the safety and health of employees at the facility," said Bryan Seal, area director of OSHA's office in Harrisburg, Pa. "Exide Technologies can eliminate these hazards and ensure a safe and healthy workplace for its employees by establishing an effective safety and health management system." The repeat violations are due to employee exposure to lead, the company's incomplete respirator fit test records, the company's use of defective industrial trucks and a deficient cadmium compliance program. OSHA issues repeat violations when it finds a substantially similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule or order. The serious violations include the company's use of defective machinery, failure to use personal protective equipment, unguarded machinery, use of prohibited flexible cords, an inadequate process involving arsenic, and deficiencies in the company's lead and cadmium compliance programs. OSHA issues a serious citation when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard. The other-than-serious violations reflect the company's failure to keep aisles or passageways in good repair where mechanical equipment was used, failure to properly use standard railings, an inadequate respiratory protection program, deficient lockout devices to prevent accidental machinery start-ups and inadequate restroom facilities. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Harrisburg office; telephone 717-782-3902. OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting almost 39,000 inspections and finding nearly 88,000 violations of its standards and regulations in fiscal year 2008. 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. ### U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department 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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