Rubber Parts Fabricator Fined $77,600 for Plethora of Violations
OSHA opened inspections in July after receiving complaints alleging burn hazards and poor housekeeping throughout the plant.
OSHA has cited rubber parts fabricator Acme Machell Co. Inc. for 22 violations—including six repeat—following safety and health inspections conducted at the company's Waukesha, Wis., facility. OSHA opened inspections in July after receiving complaints alleging burn hazards and poor housekeeping throughout the plant. Proposed fines total $77,600.
Five repeat health violations are for failing to implement a hazard communication plan, train first-aid responders on an exposure control plan to protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens and diseases, offer hepatitis B vaccines to designated first-aid responders, review or update the exposure control plan, and maintain a list of chemicals being used in the facility along with relevant material data safety sheets. One repeat safety violation is for failing to properly guard the rear area of a press. Acme Machell Co. was cited for all of these violations in 2007.
Two serious health violations are for failing to properly maintain fire extinguishers and for eight instances of failing to maintain adequate air pressure in air nozzles used for cleaning. Six serious safety violations involve electrical deficiencies, failing to evaluate and audit energy control procedures annually, failing to adequately train workers on hazardous energy control procedures, and a lack of personal protective equipment.
Eight other-than-serious health and safety violations are for failing to use personal protective equipment to prevent burns, inspect fire extinguishers, unblock access to electrical panels, provide appropriate housekeeping, and supply workers with information on the use of respirators.
"Employers who are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to the health and safety of their workers," said George Yoksas, director of OSHA's Milwaukee Area Office. "Failing to conduct required training and ensure the use of required personal protective equipment when needed is unacceptable. OSHA is committed to protecting workers, especially when employers fail to do so."
Acme Machell Co. had been inspected by OSHA four times prior to these most recent inspections.