A company in Lawrence, Massachusetts, C.I.L. Inc., has been cited and charged with $49,289 in proposed fines carry out metal finishing and processes that increase metal corrosion resistance, such as anodizing and hard coat services. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that the company had not fixed their prior hazards cited and that workers were exposed to high chances of electrocution or shock.
OSHA first inspected the company’s plant in 2005 and then in 2007 before their most recent inspection in December of 2010. Because the company has a “higher-than-average” injury or illness rate, OSHA inspected this company under their Site-Specific Targeting Program. This program is in place to target and monitor the most dangerous companies based on injury and illness rates, employee days away from work, and transfer rates. OSHA’s most recent inspection of C.I.L. Inc. revealed that the company had not fixed their previous electrocution hazards, such as the use of extension cords in place of what should have been permanent wires. They also cited them for a repeat violation of inadequate air-flow to a paint booth. These repeat violations amounted to $26,950 in fines.
The company’s five new serious violations, amounting to $22,330 in fines, were cited for the following reasons:
• Lack of ventilation in an area where flammable materials were stored • Waste cans and other materials stored too close to paint spray booths • Cleaning hose with dangerous amount of air pressure • Electrical circuits that were not labelled • Unapproved electrical equipment in an area with flammable paints and solvents
OSHA’s Jeffrey Erskine, the Area Director for Essex and Middlesex counties, warned that, “Left uncorrected, these conditions expose employees to the hazards of fire, electrocution and electric shock…It’s imperative that the employer address these issues thoroughly to ensure their correction and prevent them from happening again.”
A repeat violation is given when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard within the last five years. A serious citation is given when there is a high chance that injury or death can result from the safety hazard.
If you have been electrocuted or injured in the workplace, our experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation lawyers can help. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Source:
US Labor Department’s OSHA proposes more than $49,000 in fines against Lawrence, Mass., metal finishing plant for repeat and serious safety hazards, OSHA Regional News Release, March 24, 2011
Contact the Massachusetts work injury lawyers at Altman & Altman if you have been injured on the job.