|
Pathfinder Safety Compliance
Products
  
 
Free Safety Compliance Materials
Free Occupational Safety and Health Publications Safety
& Health News
OSHA Fines Michigan Company
$116,200 for Workplace Safety and Health Violations
The U.S. Department of Labor's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed
$116,200.00 in fines against a Michigan company for alleged willful
and serious violations of workplace safety and health standards
during demolition work in Lansing, Illinois, in April.
OSHA officials opened an
inspection at the site of a bridge-demolition operation in response
to information received concerning fall hazards and improper
personal protective equipment used for torch cutting on structural
steel coated with lead-based paint.
The investigation resulted
in citations issued to the company alleging three willful and
16 serious violations of federal workplace safety and health
regulations. The alleged willful violations addressed employee
exposure to lead and fall protection. The alleged serious violations
included failing to comply with OSHA health standards on lead
and personal protective equipment and failure to provide adequate
washing and eating areas. Serious safety citations dealt with
improper storage, use, and movement of gas cylinders and inadequate
fall protection.
OSHA issues a serious citation
when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical
harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew
or should have known. Violations are categorized as willful when
there is either an intentional disregard or plain indifference
to employee safety or OSHA regulations.
"When employers shirk
their responsibility to keep the workplace free of such hazards,
the results can be tragic for workers and their families,"
said OSHA area director Gary Anderson, Calumet City, Illinois.
Under the Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing
a safe and healthful workplace for their employees.
Source: OSHA News Releases
|