Adhesive Tape Manufacturer Exposed Workers to Electrical, Fire, Chemical Hazards
Scapa North America has been cited for 17 violations.
After employees complained about serious electrical hazards, an OSHA investigation resulted in Scapa North America of Windsor, Conn., receiving 17 serious violations of workplace safety standards.
According to the agency, the adhesive tape manufacturer required untrained, unqualified employees to troubleshoot, reset, and repair electrical controls and circuits with exposed live parts without enclosures or guards to prevent contact.
A number of other electrical hazards were discovered, including not enclosing or guarding exposed energized electrical equipment, failing to shield employees from exposed live fuses, using flexible electrical cords rather than required fixed wiring to power equipment, and more. Proposed penalties total $78,000.
"The breadth and number of hazards identified during our inspections are of concern. Left uncorrected, they expose employees to potential injuries or worse from electric shock, fire, deficient respirator safeguards and chemical burns, among other hazards. Prompt, effective and ongoing corrective action by Scapa North America is necessary," said Warren Simpson, OSHA's area director in Hartford.