Queens Manufacturer OSHA Fines Cost $108,900
Juniper Elbow Co. Inc. committed multiple new and recurring violations that were discovered after a September 2012 investigation.
A Queens, New York manufacturer violated OSHA health regulations, leading to citations for new and recurring hazards. Juniper Elbow Co. Inc., working as Juniper Industries, a metal products manufacturer, must now pay $108,900 following a September investigation.
Juniper Elbow received multiple repeat violations that came with $74,250 worth of fines. These violations included: “failing to train, fit-test and provide medical fitness evaluations for workers who wear respirators, provide hazard communication training and certify that a hazard assessment had been conducted to determine what personal protective equipment was needed to perform the work safely,” according to a statement from OSHA.
Seven serious violations were also committed. They ranged from failing to monitor noises, failing to provide hand and ear protection, to not training forklift operators. These fines will cost the company $34,650.
"Our inspection uncovered recurring hazards, from exposure to high noise levels and hazardous chemicals to lack of proper protective equipment, training and information that would help workers to protect themselves," said Kay Gee, OSHA's area director for Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn, on OSHA’s website. "It's imperative that this employer take effective and ongoing action to eliminate these hazards and prevent them from occurring again."