• Home
• Workers
• Regulations
• Enforcement
• Data & Statistics
• Training
• Publications
• Newsroom
• Small Business

Region 3 News Release: 11-782-PHI (osha 11-047)
May 25, 2011
Contact: Leni Uddyback-Fortson      Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102      215-861-5101
Email: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov      hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Shippensburg, Pa.,
iron foundry for workplace safety and health hazards

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Domestic Casting Inc. LLC for exposing workers to safety and health hazards at its Shippensburg facility. Proposed penalties total $44,300.

OSHA initiated an inspection on Feb. 22 as part of its Site-Specific Targeting Program, which focuses on industries with high injury and illness rates. As a result, the company was cited for four repeat violations, with a penalty of $18,400, and nine serious violations, with a penalty of $25,900. The employer also was cited for four other-than-serious violations, which carry no penalty.

"Each of these violations left foundry workers vulnerable to hazards that could cause serious injuries and possible death," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA's Harrisburg, Pa., area office. "It's vital that the company correct these hazards to protect its employees."

The repeat violations include a lack of guardrails on work platforms greater than 4 feet above the ground, a lack of eyewash and shower, and unguarded machinery. 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.

The serious violations include open pits with no covers, a lack of handrails on stairways, a lack of or inadequate energy control procedures, a lack of energy control training, a lack of machine guarding and a lack of guarding for live electrical parts. 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 other-than-serious violations include disorderly and unsanitary conditions, a lack of gauges and alarms on a spray booth, insufficient clearance around electrical equipment and inadequate testing of fire extinguishers.

Domestic Casting Inc. LLC, an iron foundry jobbing shot that makes various-shaped molds, has 95 employees.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Harrisburg office; telephone 717-782-3902.

To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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.

###

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