OSHA Busts Philadelphia Furniture Maker for 44 Safety Violations
Proposed penalties total $169,400 following an inspection that began Jan. 10.
OSHA has cited FixtureOne for 44 safety and health violations at its facility in Philadelphia. The company manufactures institutional furniture and employs about 65 workers. Proposed penalties total $169,400 following an inspection that began Jan. 10.
Seven repeat violations with penalties of $41,580 include an inadequate hazard communications program; a lack of machine guarding; use of electrical equipment in an unapproved area; and the company's failure to conduct a medical evaluation for use of respirators, implement a respirator program, and provide appropriate respirator fit-testing. The company was cited for the same violations in 2008.
Thirty-six serious violations with penalties of $127,820 include a lack of machine guarding and personal protective equipment; safety issues with mechanical power presses; electrical hazards; a lack of housekeeping; and the company's failure to properly store respirators, provide safe egress, and provide training for employees operating forklifts.
One other-than-serious violation with no monetary penalty was cited for failure to provide mandatory information to employees who voluntarily wear respirators while conducting paint spraying operations.
"FixtureOne's refusal to correct these previously cited violations continually places its workers in harm's way and must change immediately," said Albert D'Imperio, director of OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office. "OSHA will continue its efforts to hold this company responsible for not complying with federal laws."