Family Video Club Shop Cited after Failing to Respond to OSHA Inquiry
OSHA has proposed $161,550 in fines against Family Video Movie Club Inc. in Springfield, Ill., for alleged multiple willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards. The agency selected the business for inspection after it failed to respond to an inquiry about safety conditions at the Springfield facility, which houses an office, warehouse, and woodshop. As a result of that inspection, opened in December 2007, OSHA issued citations alleging two willful and 19 serious violations, with proposed penalties of $112,500 and $49,050 respectively.
The willful violations cited address safety problems with table saws including failure to guard the portion of the saw above the table with an appropriate hood and to have safety devices that prevent materials from being kicked back during operation. The serious violations address hazards associated with noise exposure, fire and electrical issues, a lack of personal protective equipment, and improper handling of hazardous chemicals.
"Handling hazardous chemicals, electrical hazards, and machine guarding issues are problems that should not exist at any worksite," said Nick Walters, director of OSHA's area office in Peoria, Ill. "Employers must remain dedicated to keeping the workplace safe and healthful, or face close scrutiny by this agency."
The woodshop in Springfield, which constructs shelving, cabinetry, and countertops for all Family Video Movie Club rental stores, has been inspected by OSHA on two occasions since January 1995. OSHA issued nine serious violations that addressed machine guarding, noise exposure, electrical hazards and hazard communication.