U.S. Department of Labor Finds 44 Safety and Health Violations After Inspection of Ohio Manufacturing Facility
KILLBUCK, OH – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Sperry & Rice LLC for 44 safety and health violations at its rubber and plastic manufacturing plant in Killbuck, Ohio. The company faces penalties totaling $400,775.
OSHA inspected the facility in response to a complaint, and cited Sperry & Rice LLC for failing to provide newly hired employees with information on the use and safe handling of hazardous chemicals. OSHA also cited the company for failing to provide adequate machine guards, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, and fall protection; exposing employees to electrical safety, and tripping hazards; and failing to train workers on lockout/tagout procedures to prevent machines from unintentionally starting.
“Employees are at increased risk when they are not adequately trained and effective safety and health procedures are not implemented,” said OSHA Columbus Area Office Director Larry Johnson. “Employers are required to train employees on their first day about on-the-job hazards and safe handling procedures, and provide personal protective equipment to keep them safe.”
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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 help 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 https://www.osha.gov.
Sperry & Rice LLC, is an American company that extrudes rubber, sponge rubber and plastic. We specialize in cost effective solutions in profile extrusions and hose for the appliance, automotive, construction, and truck & bus industries. We manufacture parts that meet or exceed your requirements and do it cost effectively through part design assistance, in-house tooling, rubber mixing and compound development, state-of-the-art extrusion and molding equipment, and complete fabrication capability.
Sperry & Rice LLC has been in the rubber, sponge and plastic business since the 1940’s. We are proud to offer innovative engineering solutions, advanced manufacturing processes, and comprehensive quality controls to produce precision rubber and cellular components.
Sperry & Rice LLC specializes in products for the following industries:
Unique to the industry, Sperry & Rice LLC raises the bar on quality by controlling the manufacturing process from start to finish, beginning with helping our customers identify their needs and make any recommendations which in our experience will assist in delivering your expectations.
Sperry & Rice LLC is diversified in the industries we serve. We consistently produce high-quality components according to the exact specifications of our clients. We have the capability to customize products with our in-house mixing, compounding and custom rubber formulations. In addition, our rubber lab testing facilities, and statistical process controls throughout the processes ensure you receive the highest quality parts available. We utilize the latest technology, and tooling in all aspects of our process to make sure your project is on time and meets your specifications.