Large Fine Assessed Against Aluminum Services Company
The willful citation involved electrical equipment with damaged parts; there were damaged and malfunctioning pendant control boxes for a crane, damaged slings not removed from service, unguarded metal saws, unguarded floor openings, and a lack of machine guarding and confined space training, according to OSHA.
OSHA has assessed a fine totaling $308,000 against Aluminum Shapes LLC after an investigation at its Delair, N.J., location. The agency cited the company on Sept. 21 for one willful, three repeat, 35 serious, and five other-than-serious violations.
The investigation began April 16, 2015, after OSHA was notified that an employee suffered a broken leg arch 24 while operating a crane and was hospitalized. The company should have reported that to OSHA within 24 hours.
The willful citation involved electrical equipment with damaged parts; there were damaged and malfunctioning pendant control boxes for a crane, damaged slings not removed from service, unguarded metal saws, unguarded floor openings, and a lack of machine guarding and confined space training, according to the agency.
"The number of safety violations found at Aluminum Shapes' plant is completely unacceptable. This employer blatantly ignored known safety requirements, causing a preventable worker injury," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York. "This company is now paying a hefty price for its negligence. The hazards identified in the investigation should be immediately addressed to prevent future incidents and ensure worker safety."