Lack of personal protective equipment among 33 violations cited by OSHA at Ohio foundry; Face $170,107 fine

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The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited A & B Foundry & Machining LLC with 33 health and safety violations, including four repeat. The Nov. 15, 2012, inspection was initiated under the national emphasis program targeting the primary metals industry. Proposed fines total $170,107.

"A & B Foundry & Machining has a responsibility to train and protect workers from known industry hazards, such as exposure to noise, respiratory and machine guarding," said Bill Wilkerson, OSHA's area director in Cincinnati. "Programmed inspections help OSHA achieve its goal of reducing worker injuries and illnesses by directing enforcement resources to industries where the highest rates of injuries and illness have occurred."

Four repeat violations involve failing to provide fire extinguisher, noise and chemical hazards training; perform medical evaluations of workers required to use respirators and to fit-test respirators. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The same violations were cited in 2009.

Twenty-six serious violations include failing to ensure use of personal protective equipment, prevent use of damaged personal protective equipment and conduct annual audiograms. OSHA also found fall hazards, poor housekeeping, inoperative safety latches on crane hoists, lack of machine guarding on multiple machines, electric safety violations, and a failure to train workers on and conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures. A serious violation occurs 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.

Three other-than-serious violations include not conducting performance evaluations for forklift operators, a partially blocked exit door and lack of certification of a workplace hazard assessment. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

The current citations may be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/AandBFoundryMachiningLLC_737142_0514_13.pdf* http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/AandBFoundryMachiningLLC_736661_0514_13.pdf*

The facility employs about 55 workers and, since 2004, four previous inspections have resulted in multiple citations. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
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