Region 2 News Release: 11-644-NEW (osha 11-062)
June 10, 2011
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102
Email: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites DC Fabricators for
exposing workers to fall and other safety hazards at Florence, NJ, facility

FLORENCE, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited DC Fabricators for 19 serious safety violations, including exposing workers to fall hazards, at its Florence facility. Proposed penalties total $82,800.

OSHA initiated an inspection on Jan. 13 as part of its Site-Specific Targeting Program for employers with high injury and illness rates.

"The lack of fall protection unnecessarily puts employees at risk of serious injury and possible death," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Marlton Area Office. "Immediate action needs to be taken to protect employees from this and other workplace hazards."

The violations include failing to provide proper fall protection; provide a standard handrail for stairs that had no more than four risers; provide nylon slings that were not defective; provide proper machine and equipment guarding; provide proper eye protection; provide protection from rays for employees working near welding operations; ensure fixed stairs leading to an access door were installed properly; ensure gas cylinders were secured and stored separately; ensure equipment was properly adjusted; ensure an electrical panel box was properly installed; and ensure flexible cords were used properly. 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.

DC Fabricators manufactures nuclear submarine condensers and employs 130 workers.

For detailed information on fall protection standards, visit OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/index.html.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for 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 Marlton office; telephone 856-596-5200. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA'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.