Region 1 News Release: 11-410-BOS/BOS 2011-108
March 24, 2011
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074
E-mail: fitzgerald.edmund@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $49,000 in fines against
Lawrence, Mass., metal finishing plant for repeat and serious safety hazards

ANDOVER, Mass. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited C.I.L. Inc. for alleged repeat and serious violations of workplace safety standards at the company's plant located at 400 Canal St. in Lawrence.

The company, which performs metal finishing, anodizing and hard coat services, faces a total of $49,280 in proposed fines following an inspection conducted under OSHA's Site-Specific Targeting Program, which directs inspections to workplaces with higher-than-average injury and illness rates.

OSHA's latest inspection, opened in December 2010, found hazards at the plant similar to those cited during inspections in 2005 and 2007, including extension cords used in place of permanent wiring to power equipment and inadequate air velocity for a paint spray booth. The first condition poses an electrocution or electric shock hazard to workers while the second could expose them to hazardous fumes and/or a buildup of flammable vapors. These conditions resulted in the issuance of two repeat citations with $26,950 in proposed fines. 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 other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

Five serious citations with $22,330 in fines were issued for inadequate ventilation in an area where flammable materials are stored; waste cans and other materials stored too close to paint spray booths; excess air pressure for a cleaning hose; unlabeled electric circuits; and the use of unapproved electrical equipment in an area where flammable paints and solvents are mixed. A serious violation occurs 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.

"Left uncorrected, these conditions expose employees to the hazards of fire, electrocution and electric shock," said Jeffrey Erskine, OSHA's area director for Essex and Middlesex counties. "It's imperative that the employer address these issues thoroughly to ensure their correction and prevent them from happening again."

C.I.L. Inc has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Andover Area Office; telephone 978-837-4460. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.