Wood Pallet Firm Busted for Machine Guarding, PPE Violations
OSHA initiated an inspection on Feb. 1 as part of its National Emphasis Program on Amputations. As a result, the company was cited for 18 serious violations.
OSHA has cited Burch Wood Products Inc. for exposing workers to safety hazards at its Summit Point, W.Va., facility. Proposed penalties total $58,200.
OSHA initiated an inspection on Feb. 1 as part of its National Emphasis Program on Amputations. As a result, the company was cited for 18 serious violations.
"Each of these violations left workers vulnerable to hazards that could cause serious injuries and possible death," said Prentice Cline, director of OSHA's area office in Charleston, W.Va. "It's vital that the company correct these hazards to protect its employees."
Violations include the company's failure to provide machine guarding; provide personal protective equipment; develop or implement a written hazard communication program; provide training for employees who operate powered industrial trucks; properly maintain lavatories and portable fire extinguishers; provide employees with training on the proper use of portable fire extinguishers; ensure compressed air used for cleaning purposes was reduced to less than 30 pounds per second; develop procedures and provide training on potentially hazardous energy; properly dike, label and outfit diesel and kerosene fuel tanks with proper safety instruction signs; implement an effective hearing conservation program for employees exposed to noise at 85 decibels or more; and provide a faceplate for outlet boxes.
Burch Wood Products Inc. manufactures wood pallets and has 12 employees.