OSHA cites auto parts supplier for exposing workers to amputation, electrical and struck-by hazards. Saehaesung Alabama, Hyundai and Kia provider, faces $102K in fines at 2 facilities
Saehaesung Alabama Inc. opened its LaFayette plant in July 2011.
"Employers cannot wait for an OSHA inspection to identify the hazards that expose their employees to serious injury or death," said Joseph Roesler, OSHA's area director in Mobile. "Implementing preventive programs and systems to ensure such hazards are identified and corrected as part of the company's day-to-day operations is imperative and makes good business sense."
OSHA issued three repeat citations. The Andalusia plant was cited for failure to develop specific procedures to protect workers from moving machine parts during service or maintenance work. The Andalusia and LaFayette facilities were also cited for exposing workers to amputation hazards* by failing to provide required guards on welding machines. 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 facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.
Three serious citations were issued to each facility for storage of material on steel racks with damaged support columns and no floor anchor, which exposed employees to struck-by hazards. The LaFayette plant also received a citation for exposing workers to electric shock hazards by not protecting them from damaged wiring while operating a press welding machine. OSHA issued four other citations for a damaged electrical cord, breaker panel and emergency stop switch, and for failure to train employees working with chemical hazards.
Serious violations occur 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.
In 2010 and 2011, OSHA conducted inspections at the Andalusia plant and issued citations for machine guarding, industrial trucks and failure to protect employees from moving machine parts during service or maintenance work.
Headquartered in Daegu, Korea, Saehaesung Alabama manufactures automotive chassis and body parts for Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. The Andalusia and LaFayette facilities employ 365 workers.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. To view the current citations, visit http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Saehaesung_Alabama_983750.pdf*
http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Saehaesung_Alabama_987808.pdf*
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Mobile Area Office at 251-441-6131.
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.