09-1260-PHI (osha 09-238)
Oct. 30, 2009
Contact: Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5101

US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Nazareth, Pa., company for continued workplace safety and health violations

NAZARETH, Pa. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited VersaCold for alleged workplace safety and health violations at its former Nazareth facility, proposing $51,000 in penalties.

OSHA initiated a complaint investigation on June 8. As a result, the company received citations for two repeat violations with a $50,000 penalty and one other-than-serious violation with an $850 penalty.

The repeat violations are for failing to properly train temporary workers on the use of industrial trucks. OSHA issues a repeat violation when it finds a substantially similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule or order issued to the same employer within the previous three years.

The other-than-serious violation is for the company's failure to record lost time injuries to temporary workers.

"Properly training workers is a crucial element in preventing workplace accidents," said Jean Kulp, area director of OSHA's Allentown, Pa., office. "It is vital that the company eliminate these violations to protect the safety and health of its workers."

VersaCold, which no longer operates the Nazareth facility, provides logistics management services and employs more than 330 workers at its various facilities.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Allentown Area Office; telephone: 610-776-0592.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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