Failure-to-Abate Notices Add Up to $112,530 in Fines for N.J. Firm
OSHA initiated an inspection on Oct. 21, 2011, in response to a complaint alleging that the employer had not abated safety and health violations cited on July 14, 2010.
OSHA has cited Bedrock Granite Inc. for 24 workplace safety and health violations at its Edison, N.J., facility. Proposed penalties total $112,530.
OSHA initiated an inspection on Oct. 21, 2011, in response to a complaint alleging that the employer had not abated safety and health violations cited on July 14, 2010. Inspectors issued citations encompassing five failure-to-abate notices, with penalties of $56,430; one repeat violation, with a penalty of $6,600; 15 serious violations, with penalties of $49,500; and three other-than-serious violations that do not carry penalties.
"By not abating past violations, Bedrock Granite leaves its employees vulnerable to hazards that can cause injuries and possible death," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's Avenel Area Office. "It is vital that all hazards be corrected immediately to protect workers at the facility."
The failure-to-abate notices are for the company's failure to implement an effective hearing conservation program, protect workers from overexposure to silica, implement feasible administrative or engineering controls, maintain a written hazard communication program and provide access to material safety data sheets.
The repeat violation addresses the company's failure to maintain records or reports of crane inspections, for which the company had been cited in 2010.
The serious violations include noise hazards; lack of respiratory protection; unsanitary conditions; slip, trip and fall hazards; inadequate forklift operations and certification; and deficient electrical equipment.
The other-than-serious violations are due to unlit exit signs, failure to conduct annual fire extinguisher inspections and use of compressed air above the permissible limit for cleaning purposes.
Bedrock Granite Inc., a granite and marble countertop manufacturer, has 14 employees.