Plastic Container Maker Busted for Fall, Shock Hazards
OSHA has issued the company 22 safety and health violations for exposing workers to a variety of hazards at its facility following an inspection that was initiated in August based on a complaint. Proposed penalties total $55,755.
OSHA has cited Go Plastics LLC with 22 safety and health violations for exposing workers to a variety of hazards at its Canton, Ga., facility following an inspection that was initiated in August based on a complaint. Proposed penalties total $55,755.
Sixteen serious safety violations with penalties of $46,235 involve failing to provide machine guarding on the rotational molding machine, router, bench grinder, and drill press; develop specific lockout/tagout procedures for energy sources; train maintenance workers required to perform lockout/tagout procedures; place fire extinguishers in their designated areas; properly store oxygen and acetylene tanks; inspect powered industrial trucks; and address electrical deficiencies. Additionally, exits were blocked by wooden crates and totes, workers were exposed to fall hazards, and slings were used without safety latches.
Four serious health violations with $9,520 in proposed penalties include allowing combustible dust to accumulate on walls and pipes, failing to ensure that isolation devices were installed on dust collection systems to prevent the dust from spreading, provide noise training, and label spray bottles containing acetone with a hazard warning.
Two other-than-serious violations with no monetary penalties include failing to provide workers using respirators with Appendix D of the related OSHA standard and provide employees using tight-fitting respirators with a medical evaluation.
"This inspection identified a broad range of hazards that, if left uncorrected, expose workers to electric shocks, potential falls, and combustible dust hazards," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "Employers cannot wait for an OSHA inspection to identify the hazards that expose their employees to serious injury. It is good business to implement preventive programs to ensure that such hazards are identified and corrected as part of day-to-day operations."
Go Plastics specializes in rotational molding and manufactures products such as displays, storage containers, and waste containers.