10-559-PHI (osha 10-60)
May 6, 2010
Contact: Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101
E-mail: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Varney, W.Va., lumber company for failing to abate workplace safety and health hazards

VARNEY, W.Va. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Pineville Lumber Inc. with five failure-to-abate violations for workplace hazards identified during two previous inspections. Proposed penalties total $189,730.

OSHA initiated an inspection on Nov. 3, 2009, after the company failed to provide abatement certification within the required timeframe for violations cited in July 2009. The violations include failing to provide proper training for workers operating powered industrial trucks, properly guard machinery, install required stair railings, remove debris from underneath machinery, properly complete required OSHA injury and illness logs, and provide an adequate hearing preservation program.

"Although Pineville Lumber agreed to correct these violations, the company failed to follow through, leaving its employees exposed to workplace hazards that could result in serious injury or illness," said Jeff Funke, director of OSHA's Charleston Area Office. "OSHA will not tolerate employers that shortchange their legal responsibility to provide workers with a safe and healthful work environment."

Pineville Lumber Inc. of Varney is a soft and hard wood sawmill with approximately 15 employees.

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. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Charleston Area Office; telephone: 304-347-5937. To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742.

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 assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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