OSHA has cited EJ USA Inc., a metal hatch manufacturer, for 13 violations of workplace safety standards at its Cicero, NY plant. Proposed fines total $56,000.
An inspection was conducted in March under OSHA's Site Specific Targeting Program, which directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses.
Agency inspectors found that EJ USA Inc. failed to:
- institute a hearing protection program
- prevent an overexposure to metal fumes - including hexavalent chromium
- provide a handrail on stairs
- cover containers of flammable liquids
- keep ignition sources away from flammable liquids
- maintain the airflow indicator on a spray booth
- adequately clean combustible residue from a spray booth
- lockout machinery while performing maintenance or conducting inspections of the lockout/tagout procedures
- maintain limit switches on an overhead crane; and
- adequately guard machinery and guard live electrical parts
"Left uncorrected, these conditions place the plant's employees at risk of burns, electric shock, being caught in unexpectedly activated or unguarded machinery, hearing loss, falls and being exposed to hazardous substances," said Christopher Adams, OSHA's area director in Syracuse.
"To prevent potential hazards like these from occurring, employers should implement an effective illness and injury prevention program in which they will work with their employees to identify, address and eliminate hazards before they harm workers," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York.
