09-621-NEW/BOS 2009-171
Wed., June 17, 2009
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 215-861-5101

U.S. Labor Department's OSHA proposes $47,600 in fines against Menands, N.Y., employer for 21 safety and health hazards

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Morgan Linen Service Inc. of Menands, N.Y., for 21 alleged safety and health violations at its 145 Broadway plant. The linen textile rental service faces $47,600 in proposed fines following a programmed OSHA inspection initiated in February.

"These citations encompass a cross-section of fall protection, flammable, confined space, lockout and bloodborne pathogen hazards as well as inadequate personal protective equipment and hazard communication training," said Edward Jerome, OSHA's area director in Albany. "These conditions must be addressed promptly and effectively so workers are not exposed to potentially fatal asphyxia and amputation hazards."

Some conditions identified by OSHA include platforms more than 4 feet high not properly guarded with standard railings, an unguarded floor opening, an improperly secured ladder, inadequate evaluation and posting of permit required confined spaces, lack of an effective and implemented permit required confined space entry program, lack of specific energy control procedures, non-functioning eye wash stations, inadequate personal protective equipment, and lack of training for bloodborne pathogens and chemical hazards.

These conditions resulted in the issuance of 20 serious citations with $46,900 in proposed fines. OSHA issues serious citations when death or physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known. OSHA also has issued the company one other-than-serious citation, with $700 in proposed fines, for inadequate injury and illness recordkeeping.

"One of the best means of preventing serious workplace hazards is to establish an effective safety and health management system through which management and employees work together to actively identify, analyze and eliminate work-related hazards," said Jerome.

Morgan Linen Service Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Albany or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Albany Area Office; telephone 518-464-4338.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to assure 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 www.osha.gov.

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