Party Rental Firm Fined $154,000 for Plethora of Safety Violations
Two willful violations involve failing to train employees in the use of powered industrial trucks and causing a potential electrocution hazard by providing damaged extension cord sets to be used in wet locations without ground fault circuit interruption protection.
OSHA has cited ILAPA Inc., doing business as Lasting Impressions Event and Party Rentals in Bedford Heights, Ohio, for 19 safety violations. The company faces $154,000 in proposed fines.
"Failing to provide workers with protection against possible electrical shocks and other workplace hazards is unacceptable," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "Employers have a responsibility to ensure that work environments are safe, which includes providing appropriate equipment and training to all employees."
Two willful violations with $98,000 in fines involve failing to train employees in the use of powered industrial trucks and causing a potential electrocution hazard by providing damaged extension cord sets to be used in wet locations without ground fault circuit interruption protection.
Sixteen serious safety violations with $56,000 in penalties involve fall hazards, unguarded wall openings and stairs, failing to evaluate the workplace for hazards that necessitate the use of personal protective equipment, failing to provide equipment for fall protection as well as eye and face protection, failing to develop and implement a hazardous communications plan, failing to develop a written emergency action plan, and failing to keep aisles clear for powered industrial trucks and as emergency exit routes.
Additionally, one other-than-serious violation with no penalties was cited for failing to have fire extinguishers readily available, inspect the extinguishers monthly, and conduct fire extinguisher training, as well as to mark load ratings for the floor and space if used for storage purposes.