Mattress Maker Hit with $45,850 in Fines for Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards include a damaged flexible metal conduit, electrical panel boxes with unclosed openings, an electrical box with a missing blank, and an electrical conduit that was crushed and pulled apart.
OSHA has cited Spears Mattress Co. in Rome, Ga., for 14 serious safety violations. OSHA began its inspection as part of its Site-Specific Targeting Program, which focuses enforcement efforts on industries that report higher-than-average injury rates. Penalties total $45,850.
The violations include improper storage of oxygen and acetylene compressed gas cylinders, fire extinguishers not mounted or identified, a malfunctioning emergency exit sign, walking and storage areas cluttered with flammables and heavy equipment, missing machine guards on equipment, a drill press that was not secured to prevent movement during operation, improperly adjusted bench grinders, and allowing an employee to operate a forklift with nonfunctioning emergency brakes.
Electrical hazards include a damaged flexible metal conduit, electrical panel boxes with unclosed openings, an electrical box with a missing blank, an electrical conduit that was crushed and pulled apart, an electrical receptacle with a missing cover plate and hazards from improperly installed fluorescent lighting. Additionally, an employee was observed washing parts in a solvent without using gloves and the company had failed to determine whether employees needed personal protective equipment.
"Inspectors found violations that could easily result in a serious employee injury or death," said Andre Richards, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office. "OSHA will not allow employers to risk the safety of workers by exposing them to hazardous conditions in the workplace."
Spears Mattress Co. manufactures mattresses at its plant in Rome and is a licensee for Englander brand mattresses.