Region 3 News Release: 13-455-PHI (osha 13-026)
March 20, 2013
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102
Email: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA fines Morton, Pa., rail transit manufacturer
nearly $61,000 for health and safety hazards

MORTON, Pa. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited UTCRAS Inc. with 23 serious and four other-than-serious health and safety violations found at the company's Morton facility. The September 2012 inspection was initiated as part of OSHA's Site-Specific Targeting 2012 program, which directs enforcement resources to workplaces where the highest rates of injuries and illnesses occur. An evaluation of hazards was also conducted under OSHA's National Emphasis Programs for Hexavalent Chromium and Amputations.

The serious violations, carrying a $60,900 penalty, were cited for electrical hazards and for failing to provide machine guarding, a lockout/tagout program for the energy sources of equipment and an effective respiratory program with eyewash and shower facilities for handling corrosives. The company also failed to comply with OSHA's standard for chromium VI, repair floor holes, properly store and handle compressed gas and flammable liquids, and ensure access to a fire extinguisher. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

"These violations could cause serious harm to workers and must be promptly corrected," said Domenick Salvatore, director of OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office. "Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe and healthful workplace."

The other-than-serious violations, which had no monetary penalty, involve an improper flammable storage container and failing to conduct a proper hazard assessment. 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.

UTCRAS Inc. reconditions roller bearings for rail systems and assembles truck and wheel sets for passenger locomotives and freight rail work. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director 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 Philadelphia Office at 215-597-4955.

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.