Region 2 News Release: 13-1907-NEW (osha 13-103)
Sept. 23, 2013
Contact: Leni Fortson Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102 215-861-5101
Email: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

UPS Inc. cited for repeat, serious safety hazards at Secaucus, NJ, processing
and distribution center; fined $45,500 by US Labor Department's OSHA

SECAUCUS, N.J. – UPS Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for safety hazards found at the company's processing and distribution center at 493 County Road in Secaucus. OSHA's March investigation was initiated in response to a complaint and resulted in $45,500 in proposed penalties.

A repeat violation, which includes a $38,500 penalty, involves blocked exit routes. A similar violation was cited in 2012. 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.

Carrying a $7,000 penalty, one serious violation was cited for lack of guarding on extendable conveyors. 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.

"UPS entered into a corporatewide settlement agreement with OSHA in 2009, after it was cited for failing to ensure unobstructed exit routes. This same violation was found at its Secaucus center," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Area Office in Parsippany. "Jeopardizing workers' safety will not be tolerated by OSHA. UPS is responsible, like all employers, for providing a safe and healthful workplace for employees."

UPS Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Parsippany, or contest the citations and proposed penalties 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 Parsippany Area Office at 973-263-1003.

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.