OSHA Cites a New Jersey Company for Safety Failures after Employee Was Hospitalized
An aluminum manufacturer in New Jersey is facing penalties of up to $169,524 for its failure to safeguard its employees during an injury incident.
In August 2019, a crane operator was injured at an Aluminum Shapes LLC site in Delair, New Jersey. OSHA is citing the company $169,524.
The employee went to the hospital after a steel plate fell from an uninspected crane onto his foot. The agency cited the company for one serious and three repeat citations for failing to report the injury to OSHA within 24 hours of the employee’s hospitalization; conduct annual crane inspections with written certification; and failing to balance and secure the load properly.
OSHA also placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program for repeated safety failures.
“Aluminum Shapes continues to disregard their legal responsibility to comply with safety and health standards,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick, in Marlton, New Jersey. “Employers have an obligation to provide a safe and healthful workplace for their workers.”
Unfortunately, crane incidents are not uncommon. OSHA’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard provides information on required crane inspections. It also gives tips for employers on reporting a severe injury.
As always, the company has 15 business days from receipt of the
citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Area Director, or contest the findings before the independent
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.