OSHA has cited Adams Thermal Systems Inc. in Canton with 51 safety and health violations following a February inspection prompted by a complaint alleging multiple concerns at the coolant core manufacturing facility. Proposed penalties total $225,000.

"The multitude of violations found during this inspection demonstrates this employer's serious shortcomings toward a commitment to providing a safe and healthful workplace," said Eric Brooks, OSHA's acting area director in Bismarck, N.D.

A total of 44 serious safety violations cited include failing to provide proper housekeeping, mark emergency exits and keep pathways free and unobstructed; ensure that lockout devices prevented unintended equipment startup; provide fall protection on open-sided platforms, machine guard pulleys, belts and saws; conduct and document forklift and crane inspections; remove defective rigging equipment from services; properly store gas cylinders; provide safety training and label hazardous gas piping. One serious health violation cited is for failing to use personal protective equipment identified on a hazard assessment and ensure that the equipment fits affected workers.

Three other-than-serious safety violations cited involve the labeling of overhead storage areas, confined space evaluation and sprinkler head clearance distance. Three other-than-serious health violations include a lack of record keeping and noise monitoring programs, and chemical exposures.

Prior to this inspection, Adams Thermal Systems had been inspected by OSHA five times since 2004, including a fatality investigation opened in November 2011 during which citations were issued for lockout of machine energy sources and machine guarding violations. That case is currently being contested by the employer.

Due to the previous fatality and nature of the current hazards, OSHA has placed Adams Thermal Systems in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law. The program focuses on recalcitrant employers that endanger workers by committing willful, repeat or failure-to-abate violations. For more information on the program, visit http://s.dol.gov/J3.

The current citations can be viewed at www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/AdamsThermalSystems_280914_242660_0806_12.pdf*.