Region 3 News Release: 10-1035-PHI (osha 10-167)
July 29, 2010
Contact: Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5101
Email: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

US Department of Labor cites Marcum Transport of
Verdunville, W.Va., for workplace safety and health hazards

VERDUNVILLE, W.Va. - The U.S. Department of Labor¿s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Marcum Transport trucking company for exposing workers to a variety of safety and health hazards at its Verdunville facility. Proposed penalties total $73,500.

"It is the employer¿s legal responsibility to ensure the safety of its employees in the workplace," said Sue Barazi, acting director of OSHA¿s area office in Charleston, W.Va. "OSHA will continue holding employers accountable when they compromise worker safety and do not comply with the law."

OSHA initiated its investigation May 13 in response to a complaint of noise exposure. As a result, Marcum Transport has been cited for 33 serious violations and one other-than-serious violation. The serious violations include improper machine guarding, inadequate personal protective equipment, a deficient hazard communication program, obstructed exit routes, electrical hazards, and deficient use of lockout/tagout devices for energy sources that prevent the inadvertent start-up of machines. A serious citation is issued when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard. The other-than-serious citation has been issued for recordkeeping violations.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Charleston, 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, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.