Region 2 News Release: 11-1249-NEW (osha 11-094)
Aug. 22, 2011
Contact: Leni 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 Plainfield, NJ, aluminum railing
company for exposing employees to safety and health hazards

PLAINFIELD, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited F&C Professional Aluminum Railing Corp. for 20 workplace safety and health violations following an inspection of the company's Plainfield facility. Proposed penalties total $51,480.

"Each of these violations leaves employees at the facility vulnerable to hazards that can result in serious injury and possible death," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's Avenel Area Office. "It is vital that the company correct these violations immediately to ensure a safe and healthful work environment."

Nineteen serious violations involve hazards associated with exposure to chemicals above recommended limits; a lack of respiratory protection, including respirator use, fit-testing, medical evaluation and training; missing machine guarding; a lack of a written hazard communication program; a lack of material safety data sheets; improper labeling of temporary containers; and improper use of electrical equipment. 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.

One other-than-serious violation, which does not carry a monetary penalty, is being cited for the company's failure to provide employees who use respirators on a voluntary basis with necessary information. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

The citations are based on an inspection initiated by OSHA in March. F&C Professional Aluminum Railing Corp., which manufactures aluminum railings for residential and business use, has 19 employees.

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.

###

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.