|
Pathfinder Safety Compliance
Products
  
 
Free Safety Compliance Materials
Free Occupational Safety and Health Publications Safety
& Health News
OSHA Fines Bakery $120,600
for Safety and Health Hazards
A wide range of safety and
health hazards at a Syracuse bakery has resulted in $120,600
in proposed fines from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The bakery which manufactures
bread and other bakery products, was cited for a total of 42
alleged serious safety and health hazards at its production plant
following an OSHA inspection begun in July in response to an
employee complaint.
OSHA's inspection found blocked
exit routes; deficiencies in the facility's emergency response
plan; fall and tripping hazards; lack of procedures, training
and equipment to lock out the power sources of machines before
performing maintenance; unguarded moving machine parts; unsafe
operation of forklifts; and numerous electrical hazards.
Also identified were hazards
associated with lack of personal protective equipment, work in
confined spaces, welding, chemical hazard communication, lack
of an emergency eyewash station, unsecured gas cylinders, failing
to provide medical exams and surveillance as well as respirator
fit testing to members of the bakery's hazardous materials response
team and failing to provide hearing tests for employees as well
as retraining and refitting them with appropriate hearing protection.
OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical
harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer
knew or should have known.
"Left uncorrected, these
conditions expose employees to the hazards of falls, electrocution,
being caught in moving machine parts, or in the accidental startup
of machinery, burns, hearing loss, exposure to hazardous substances,
or being struck by forklifts," said Chris R. Adams, OSHA's
area director in Syracuse. "It's imperative for this employer
to correct these hazards before employees are injured or killed."
The company has 15 business
days from receipt of its citations and fines to request and participate
in an informal conference with OSHA or to contest them before
the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
The investigation was conducted by OSHA's area office in Syracuse,
located at 3300 Vickery Road, North Syracuse, (315) 451-0808.
Source: OSHA News Release 1/18/07
|