Financial Marketplace Printer Faces LOTO, Combustible Dust Charges
OSHA has cited S.G. Printing in Waymart, Pa., for alleged repeat and serious workplace safety and health violations. Proposed penalties total $107,100.
The agency initiated an investigation on Dec. 10, 2009, as a result of a safety and health complaint. The company has been issued citations for four repeat violations, with a penalty of $74,250 and nine serious violations, with a penalty of $32,850.
"The identified violations put workers at risk for potential injury or possible death," said Mark Stelmack, director of OSHA's area office in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. "The company must rectify these violations to ensure the safety of its workers."
The repeat violations include deficiencies in a lockout/tagout program to prevent accidental energization start-up of machinery as well as unguarded machinery. A repeat violation is issued when an employer previously was cited for the same or a similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule, or order at any other facilities in federal enforcement states within the last three years.
The serious violations include combustible dust hazards, inadequate lockout/tagout procedures for all energy sources, and inadequate machine guarding, among others. OSHA issues a serious citation when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.
S.G. Printing employs 35 workers and specializes in producing books and magazines for the financial marketplace. According to its website, the company offers front-end electronic pre-press systems and three cold-set web presses of various sizes and configurations specifically suited to needs in the business and financial community. Located conveniently for overnight production to the financial districts of New York and Philadelphia, the company says it regularly produces "printed materials for many of America's best-known firms. The worksite also includes an in-house bindery.
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.