What do you get with 39 serious violations plus one willful violation of safety standards? Accidents are usually the product of this equation but in the case of Cast Metals Inc., a foundry and fabrication plant in Deshler, it’s more serious than that.
U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has disclosed today that the Deshler company faces $114,000 worth of fines. This is the result of an inspection conducted by OSHA in March where they allegedly found the company to have one willful violation and 39 serious violations. These violations also include 16 health and 23 safety regulation issues.
Jule Hovi, director of OSHA’s area office in Toledo, has this to say about the matter, “These issues should not exist at any worksite. Employers must remain dedicated to keeping the workplace safe and healthful or face close OSHA scrutiny.”
Of Violations and Citations
Some of the serious violations cited were the following:
- lead and silica over-exposures
- high-level noise exposure
- electrical hazards
- training deficiencies including respiratory protection training
- lack of personal protective equipment for employees dealing with molten metal
The willful violation involves the “lack of tagout/lockout training for employees exposed to unexpected energization of equipment during maintenance and servicing activities.”
Cast Metals, Inc. is given 15 business days to contest these citations. Until then we can only guess the outcome of yet another serious encounter with OSHA.
While this matter may seem like one workplace mishap, a lot can be done to avoid it. This is especially true with the large sum of money involved as fine. By keeping your company updated with the latest federal safety and health regulations, these fines can be avoided altogether.
A Long History of Fines
Just last month, OSHA issued its third largest fine against a sugar refinery. The penalty reached almost $9 million for violation of safety standards and regulations that led to the death and injury of many employees.
Big or small, companies are subjected to OSHA’s federal standards and regulations. This could not be emphasized more than by the large fines issued against small companies in the past year. First on the list of largest fines involved violations of hazard communications, training requirements and head protection.
It’s not the first time, though, that OSHA cited a foundry or fabrication plant for multiple serious violations. On August 4, 2008, Cast-Fab Technologies Inc. of Cincinnati was cited for alleged serious violations. OSHA proposed $128, 700 in fines against the company . Like Cast Metals, Inc., Cast-Fab Technologies was chosen for inspection as part of a local emphasis program concentrating on the primary metal industry.
Again, whether your company is small or big, deals with metal or oil, it pays to be in the know about the latest federal standards and regulations. Otherwise, you might have to pay a price more than what you have bargained for.
If you need updates on the latest health and safety regulations, feel free to contact us.
