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Region 5 News Release: 12-1334-CHI
July 12, 2012
Contact: Scott Allen      Rhonda Burke
Phone:            312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov      burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Marlite for amputation hazards,
other safety violations at Dover, Ohio, manufacturing plant

DOVER, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Marlite Inc. with 12 safety violations, including one repeat violation for failing to properly guard machinery at its Dover plant, which manufactures doors, paneling and windows. OSHA initiated an inspection in February under the agency's National Emphasis Program on Amputations. Proposed penalties total $56,000.

"Most injuries that occur in the workplace are preventable. Employers that are cited for repeat violations show a lack of commitment to employee safety and health," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director in Columbus. "It is imperative that employers protect their workers."

The repeat violation involves failing to provide machine guarding on several drill presses in the factory. Marlite initially was cited for this violation during a 2008 OSHA inspection. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

Additionally, seven serious safety violations involve failing to anchor drill presses to the floor, provide proper fall protection, light exit signs and provide standard railings on stairs. 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.

Four other-than-serious violations have been cited for failing to provide injury/illness descriptions on OSHA 300 forms. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

Marlite has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings 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 Columbus office at 614-469-5582.

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 ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. 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.