The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited two manufacturers for alleged workplace safety and health violations at locations in Connecticut and New Jersey.
OSHA cited Importers Service Corp., which manufactures items for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other applications, for failing to lock out energy sources and exposing workers to potential injuries during the maintenance and repair of equipment, the U.S. Labor Department agency stated in a news release.
The citations relate to a November 2009 inspection conducted as part of OSHAs Site-Specific Targeting Program, which is aimed at industries with high injury and illness rates. The Jersey City, N.J., company received citations for two willful violations, with a penalty of $98,000; 33 serious violations, with a $60,500 penalty; and one other-than-serious violation that carries no penalty.
The willful violations relate to the lockout/tagout system, while the serious violations include lack of training, inadequate personal protective equipment, and failure to adequately handle confined spaces.
In a separate release, OSHA announced it cited Har-Conn Chrome Co. for 45 alleged serious violations at its West Hartford, Conn., metal finishing firm. Proposed fines total $77,500.
Among the hazards for which OSHA cited the plant are numerous electrical hazards; unguarded saws, fans and grinders; improper storage of compressed gas cylinders; confined space hazards; and untrained forklift operations.
Both companies have 15 days from the receipt of the citations to comply, request a conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties.
