OSHA Files $59K in Penalties Against NJ Manufacturer
The alleged serious violations included failure to monitor employees who were exposed to methylene chloride, OSHA said.
OSHA issued penalties totaling $59,290 for 21 alleged violations by GPR Co. Inc. at its Fairfield, N.J., facility, where the agency began an inspection April 20 as part of its Site-Specific Targeting program for employers with high injury and illness rates. The cited serious violations include machine guarding, monitoring of employees who where exposed to methylene chloride, emergency evacuation provisions, proper storage of propane containers, lockout/tagout, fire extinguisher training, PPE, and Hazard Communication.
"Exposure to methylene chloride is very dangerous and poses serious health risks, including an increased risk of cancer and adverse effects on the heart, central nervous system, liver, and skin," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Parsippany Area Office."It is vital that the company eliminate these hazards to protect its employees."
Three other-than-serious violations involved the employer's alleged failure to mark a mezzanine with a load rating, provide truck operators with training and evaluation prior to operation of the vehicle, and provide information to employees voluntarily using respirators. GPR has 44 workers at the facility who manufacture precision parts for U.S. customers, according to OSHA.
To contact the Parsippany Area Office, call telephone 973-263-1003.