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OSHA News Release (Archived)
2007 - 07/05/2007 - U.S. Labor Department's OSHA issues 15 serious citations to Michael Bianco Inc. following safety and health inspections |
OSHA News Release - (Archived) Table of Contents |
| NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
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Region 1 News Release: 07-911-BOS /BOS 2007-184 July 5, 2007 Contact: Sharon Worthy Phone: (202) 693-4676 U.S. Labor Department's OSHA issues 15 serious citations to Michael Bianco Inc. following safety and health inspections
New Bedford, Mass., leather goods manufacturer faces $45,000 in fines BRAINTREE, Mass. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Michael Bianco Inc. for 15 alleged serious violations of workplace health and safety standards and has proposed a total of $45,000 in fines against the New Bedford, Mass., leather goods manufacturer. The citations and fines address chemical, electrical and mechanical hazards identified during OSHA safety and health inspections that began March 15 in response to reports of possible hazards at the 89 West Rodney French Blvd. plant. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. "Left uncorrected, the conditions cited at the plant expose employees to the hazards of lacerations, amputation, burns, electrocution, eye and face injuries, and to being caught in moving machine parts or struck by machinery," said Robert B. Hooper, OSHA's acting area director for southeastern Massachusetts. OSHA's inspection found that the company had not determined what types of personal protective equipment were needed for employees whose duties exposed them to hazardous chemicals and flying particles from machinery, and had not supplied those employees with the required eye, face and hand protection. Employees were not provided information and training on the hazardous chemicals with which they work and the company's hazard communication program lacked information and data sheets about those chemicals. The plant also lacked adequate safeguards, including machine-specific procedures, employee training, and periodic inspections to prevent the accidental startup of machinery during maintenance. Finally, the inspection identified several instances of unguarded machinery, improperly used or guarded electrical wiring and equipment, and untrained pallet jack operators. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and fines to respond. It may request and participate in an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citations and fines before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspections were conducted by OSHA's Braintree Area Office, telephone (617) 565-6924. 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. |
| NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
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OSHA News Release - (Archived) Table of Contents |
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