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Region 5 News Release: 12-1119-PHI (osha 12-061)
June 13, 2012
Contact: Leni Fortson      Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102     215-861-5101
Email: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov    hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA proposes $69,000 in fines to Ohio-based
Trans Tech Logistics for serious safety hazards at 2 West Virginia facilities

PERRYSBURG, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Perrysburg-based Trans Tech Logistics Inc. for 17 serious safety violations at two tank truck maintenance facilities in Natrium and Institute, W.Va. Proposed penalties total $69,000 following a March inspection that was initiated after OSHA received a complaint alleging hazards.

At the Natrium facility, OSHA has cited 15 violations that involve failing to establish "lockout/tagout" procedures to prevent machinery from accidentally starting up; comply with the agency's Hazard Communication Standard; ensure the use of safety goggles and foot protection; provide facilities for flushing of the eyes and body when employees are exposed to corrosive materials; provide first-aid training and supplies; separate oxygen cylinders from acetylene cylinders in storage; label electrical disconnects; guard machines; and provide charts, manuals and safe operating procedures for servicing rim wheels. Penalties for the citations total $60,000.

Two violations were cited at the Institute facility for failing to provide sufficient washing facilities for workers exposed to corrosive materials and remove powered industrial trucks from service when they are not in a safe operating condition. Penalties for the citations total $9,000.

A serious violation occurs 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.

"The hazards found at both facilities pose serious risks to Trans Tech Logistics employees and must be immediately addressed," said Prentice Cline, director of OSHA's Charleston Area Office in West Virginia. "OSHA will continue to hold employers legally accountable when they jeopardize the safety of their workers."

Trans Tech Logistics Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties 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.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321- OSHA (6742) or the agency's Charleston office at 304-347-5937.

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 news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.