Region 2 News Release: 13-2251-NEW (osha 13-113)
Nov. 27, 2013
Contact: Leni Fortson Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102 215-861-5101
Email: : uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

Lakewood, NJ, merchandise printer cited by US Labor Department's OSHA
for exposing workers to excessive heat, other workplace hazards

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Plan B Promotions for six serious and two other-than-serious violations, including exposing workers to excessive levels of heat at the merchandise printer's Lakewood facility. OSHA initiated an inspection in June in response to a complaint.

"By implementing effective engineering controls and work practices, such as using cooling fans and reducing physical demands during hot weather, employers can ensure a safe and healthful workplace for their employees," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Marlton Area Office. "It is imperative that workers and supervisors are trained on the hazards of heat exposure and their prevention."

Exposing workers in the facility's silk-screening department to excessive levels of heat was among the serious violations cited and involves OSHA's general duty clause. OSHA proposed a fine of $7,000, the maximum penalty permitted for this violation.

The additional serious violations carry total proposed penalties of $11,200. They include failing to keep exit routes free and unobstructed; properly store flammable liquids and label hazardous chemicals; provide appropriate eye protection for workers wearing prescription lenses; provide workers with effective information and training; ensure proper use of flexible cords; develop a written hazard communication program; and have material safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical used in the workplace. 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 other-than-serious violations, carrying no penalties, were cited for failing to certify that a personal protective equipment assessment was performed, as well as to provide workers with Appendix D, which contains information on respirator use. 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.

Plan B Promotions has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Marlton, 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 Marlton Area Office at 856-596-5200.

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.