Region 5 News Release: 09-772-CHI
July 28, 2009
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976

U.S. Labor Department's OSHA levies $85,360 in proposed penalties to Dehler Manufacturing, Chicago, for workplace health violations

CHICAGO -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Dehler Manufacturing Co. Inc. with 24 serious, four repeat and six other-than-serious violations of federal workplace health standards and has proposed $85,360 in penalties.

OSHA opened its inspection in February after receiving a health hazard evaluation report from the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The ensuing inspection revealed hazards cited as serious which are associated with hearing damage, lack of personal protective equipment, potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and the lack of a hazardous communication program. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Repeat violations addressed problems with the respirator program, lack of medical evaluation and fire extinguisher inspections. OSHA issues repeat violations when it finds a substantially similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facilities in federal enforcement states.

"Providing a healthful workplace is a challenge that all employers must be encouraged to meet," said OSHA Area Director Diane M. Turek of the Chicago North OSHA office.

The company 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.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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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.