Auto Parts Plant Racks Up 25 Safety Violations, $302,000 in Penalties
OSHA has proposed $302,000 in fines against Sunfield Inc. in Hebron, Ohio, for alleged violations of federal workplace safety standards including three willful, one repeat, and 21 serious infractions. The company employs 100 workers at the site and specializes in processing stamped metal parts for automobile companies.
The citations stem from an OSHA investigation opened in August 2008. The agency cited Sunfield for failure to ensure proper procedures were used for the control of hazardous energy during press machine maintenance and repairs; machine guarding violations; not providing eye protection or eye flushing stations; improper forklift operations; excessive air pressure for machinery cleaning operations; and improper electrical safety practices. The repeat violation is for failure to provide required strain relief on flexible cords in the press and die maintenance areas.
According to OSHA, Sunfield has been inspected by OSHA 13 times since 1997 and has been cited 60 times for safety and health violations. 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.