Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited A & B Foundry & Machining LLC with 33 health and safety violations at the Franklin, Ohio site. These 33 violations carried a proposed fine of $170,107.The area director stated, “A & B Foundry & Machining has a responsibility to train and protect workers from known industry hazards, such as exposure to noise, respiratory and machine guarding. Programmed inspections help OSHA achieve its goal of reducing worker injuries and illnesses by directing enforcement resources to industries where the highest rates of injuries and illness have occurred.”
Four of the violations were repeat violations, which 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 four repeat violations here include: failing to provide fire extinguisher, noise and chemical hazards training; perform medical evaluations of workers required to use respirators and to fit-test respirators.
Twenty-six serious violations were also cited, which is 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 serious violations include: failing to ensure use of personal protective equipment, prevent use of damaged personal protective equipment and conduct annual audiograms, fall hazards, poor housekeeping, inoperative safety latches on crane hoists, lack of machine guarding on multiple machines, electric safety violations, and a failure to train workers on and conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures.
Three other-than-serious violations were also cited, and these are present when it is not a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm. These violations include: not conducting performance evaluations for forklift operators, a partially blocked exit door and lack of certification of a workplace hazard assessment.
Pulgini & Norton, LLP attorneys have handled workers’ compensation claims for over 25 years in and around Boston and its surrounding areas. If you or a family member has been injured at work and would like to seek legal assistance, please contact us at (781) 843-2200 or (888) 344-2046 or email us.
Cited Sources:
Lack of personal protective equipment among 33 violations cited by US Labor Department’s OSHA at A & B Foundry & Machining in Franklin, Ohio Company faces proposed fines of $170,107, osha.gov, May 21, 2013
OSHA proposes fine for another area company, Springfield News-Sun, May 25, 2013