OSHA Proposes Penalties of $85,360 to Dehler Manufacturing for Workplace Violations
OSHA has cited Dehler Manufacturing Co. Inc. with 24 serious, four repeat, and six other-than-serious violations of federal workplace health standards and has proposed $85,360 in penalties.
OSHA opened its inspection in February after receiving a health hazard evaluation report from NIOSH. The ensuing inspection revealed hazards cited as serious which are associated with hearing damage, lack of personal protective equipment, potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and the lack of a hazardous communication program. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
Repeat violations addressed problems with the respirator program and lack of medical evaluation and fire extinguisher inspections. OSHA issues repeat violations when it finds a substantially similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule, or order at any other facilities in federal enforcement states.
"Providing a healthful workplace is a challenge that all employers must be encouraged to meet," said Diane M. Turek, OSHA area director for the Chicago North office.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.