Region 2 News Release: 11-1049-NEW (osha 11-077)
July 18, 2011
Contact: Leni Uddyback-Fortson Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102 215-861-5101
Email: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov hawkins.joanna@dol.gov
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Sayreville, NJ, manufacturer
for repeat workplace safety violations following amputation
SAYERVILLE, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Sabert Corp. with two repeat safety violations following an incident in which a worker's finger was amputated at its Sayerville facility.
OSHA initiated its inspection on May 5 after being notified of the amputation. The violations involve failing to ensure equipment was turned off and properly guarded to prevent contact with moving parts during servicing operations.
The company was cited for the same violations in 2008. 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.
"This amputation could and should have been prevented with the proper protections in place," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's Avenel Area Office. "It is imperative that employers are vigilant in protecting employees from amputation hazards."
Sabert Corp., which manufactures plastic products for the food packaging industry, employs about 308 workers.
Proposed penalties for the citations total $70,000.
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 Avenel office; telephone 732-750-3270. 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.