PPE Hazards Part of $225,000 Fine against Industrial Painting Firm
OSHA has proposed a total of $225,000 in fines against Certified Painting Co. Inc. in Alsip, Ill., for an alleged eight willful and nine serious violations of federal workplace safety standards. The agency's investigation, opened in July 2008, cited the company for failure to have proper carbon monoxide monitoring devices; to provide and ensure workers were using personal protective clothing; to provide required hygiene facilities and ensure workers conducted required hygiene practices after possible exposure to lead or other hazardous materials; and to provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets and have a lifesaving skiff immediately available at locations where employees were working over or adjacent to water.
The company also was cited for failure to provide proper fall protection and equipment for employees working on scaffolding; to maintain a safety and health program; to provide a required training program prior to employees being exposed to lead; and to conduct regular inspections of the jobsite by a competent person.
"Failing to practice required OSHA safety and health standards is detrimental to the welfare of American workers," said Gary Anderson, director of the agency's area office in Calumet City, Ill. "Any employer that is committed to providing a safe place of work can avoid employee injuries and fatalities by following OSHA's regulations."
Certified Painting performs industrial painting on bridges and other construction projects throughout the state of Illinois. The company has been inspected by OSHA 16 times and has been cited for safety and health violations more than 100 times since 1976, according to the agency. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the latest citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.