May 13, 2015
VANDALIA, Ill. – A metal tube manufacturer put
workers at risk of lacerations, amputations and potential explosion and
fire by ignoring standard safety rules for machines and storing flammable materials in open containers near propane heaters where they might ignite.
Acting on a complaint, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors completed a safety review at All Steel Products Inc., of Vandalia, in December 2014 and found one repeated, 25 serious and one other-than-serious safety and health violations at the metal fabrication facility. The company faces $109,900 in proposed penalties.
"All Steel must act now to address these concerns and reduce the risks its employees face. Common-sense safety procedures are needed, such as installing safety guards on large industrial machines and storing flammable materials and waste properly.
The company also needs to implement safety and health programs, including proper machine shutdown during maintenance and service, ensuring their employees understand workplace hazards and respiratory protection," said Aaron Priddy, area director of OSHA's Fairview Heights Area Office. "Employees pay a painful price when companies don't follow standards."
All Steel Products was cited by OSHA for violations related to:
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.
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 Fairview Heights Area Office at 618-632-8612.
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.
Acting on a complaint, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors completed a safety review at All Steel Products Inc., of Vandalia, in December 2014 and found one repeated, 25 serious and one other-than-serious safety and health violations at the metal fabrication facility. The company faces $109,900 in proposed penalties.
"All Steel must act now to address these concerns and reduce the risks its employees face. Common-sense safety procedures are needed, such as installing safety guards on large industrial machines and storing flammable materials and waste properly.
The company also needs to implement safety and health programs, including proper machine shutdown during maintenance and service, ensuring their employees understand workplace hazards and respiratory protection," said Aaron Priddy, area director of OSHA's Fairview Heights Area Office. "Employees pay a painful price when companies don't follow standards."
All Steel Products was cited by OSHA for violations related to:
- Amputation hazards
- A metal band-saw blade had no safety guard, a violation OSHA found at this same facility in January 2011.
- Machines were not shut down and locked out properly before repair and maintenance, including changing saw blades.
- Machines were also operated without proper safety devices*.
- Explosion and fire hazards
- Propane heaters were used near gloves and rags soiled with flammable materials.
- Combustible waste materials were not stored properly and disposed of daily.
- Fire extinguishers were not maintained.
- Hazardous chemicals
- Hazardous chemicals were not stored properly.
- Employees were not trained on procedures for handling hazardous chemicals.
- Respiratory standards
- Employees were not trained on respiratory standards, including medical evaluation, proper fitting and respirators.
- Electrical safety
- Numerous violations were also found.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.
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 Fairview Heights Area Office at 618-632-8612.
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.