Region 2 News Release: 13-1707-NEW/BOS-135-2013
Aug. 26, 2013
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald Andre Bowser
Phone: 617-565-2075 617-565-2074
Email: fitzgerald.edmund@dol.gov bowser.andre.j@dol.gov

Nationwide ice maker cited by US Labor Department's OSHA for 9 serious
and 3 repeat workplace safety violations at Fairport, NY, plant
Arctic Glacier, Inc. faces more than $147,000 in proposed fines

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Arctic Glacier, Inc., a nationwide ice manufacturer and distributor, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for nine serious and three repeat violations of workplace safety standards at its Fairport, N.Y., manufacturing facility. The maker of ice for commercial and retail sales faces proposed fines of $147,400 following an inspection by OSHA's Buffalo Office begun on Feb. 21, 2013, that found significant safety hazards for workers.

"The company failed on many counts to maintain a safe work environment for its workers. With production plants and distribution facilities in 17 states, it's important that Arctic Glacier take effective steps to ensure worker safety at all its locations." said Art Dube, OSHA's area director in Buffalo. "The repeat citations are based on similar hazards previously cited at the Fairport plant and at other facilities in Pennsylvania and Texas."

The inspection was conducted under OSHA's Site-Specific Targeting Program that directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces where the highest rates of injuries and illnesses occur. OSHA inspectors found workers exposed to recurring hazards including failing to establish written mechanical integrity procedures for repair work and inspections, inspect and test process equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and train workers on required lockout/tagout procedures. These conditions resulted in the issuance of three repeat citations with $104,500 in fines. A repeat violation exists when an employer has been cited previously for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any of its facilities in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

Serious violations include fall hazards due to the lack of handrails on stairways, failure to ensure authorized workers affixed lockout/tagout hardware on mechanical equipment under maintenance, and failure to provide permanent wiring in lieu of flexible cord sets, among other violations. This resulted in the issuance of nine serious citations with $42,900 in fines. 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. The full citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Arctic_Glacier_Cit.pdf.*

Arctic Glacier, Inc. is the second largest ice producer in the country, and is a subsidiary of Arctic Glaciers Holdings Inc., which is Canada's largest ice producer with headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Arctic Glacier, 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.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Buffalo, N.Y. office at 716-551-3053.

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.

* Accessibility Assistance Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.