OSHA Files $259K in Penalties Against Food Products Manufacturer
The inspection of Supreme Oil Co.'s Englewood, N.J., facility arose from OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting effort, which is based on self-reported injury and illness data.
OSHA has cited Supreme Oil Co. Inc., a food product manufacturer and distributor, filing one willful, one repeat, and 30 serious safety and health violations after inspecting the company's Englewood, N.J., facility. The inspection was part of OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting 2012 inspection plan and resulted in $259,000 in proposed penalties.
OSHA uses its annual OSHA Data Initiative survey to collect data from employers. Site-Specific Targeting aims enforcement efforts at those with high Lost Work Day Injury and Illness (LWDII) rates.
"The wide range and variety of both safety and health related violations found at Supreme Oil Co. Inc. are indicative of a failed safety and health program," said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. "The cited hazardous conditions must be corrected quickly and effectively to ensure a safe and healthful workplace for all employees."
The violations included one classified as willful, with a $70,000 penalty, for allegedly failing to develop or use lockout/tagout procedures to control potentially hazardous energy, and a repeat violation because workroom floors allegedly were not maintained in a dry condition. According to OSHA, the company was cited for similar violations in 2012. Other alleged violations involved electrical and trip hazards, failing to provide lockout/tagout training for employees involved in service and maintenance activities, fire safety, machine guarding, fall protection;, and not maintaining a hearing conservation program for employees exposed to excessive noise.