Region 3 News Release: 12-1596-PHI (osha 12-097)
Aug. 8, 2012
Contact: Leni Fortson Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102 215-861-5101
Email: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $67,000 in fines
to Philadelphia dishwasher manufacturer for workplace hazards

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Insinger Machine Co. for exposing workers to serious safety and health hazards at the company's Philadelphia facility. OSHA's February investigation was initiated as part of the agency's Site-Specific Targeting Program, which focuses on workplaces with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses. Proposed penalties total $67,450.

Twenty-three serious violations involve failing to correct electrical hazards, provide a hearing conservation program or training, provide an eyewash station, provide barriers and shields to protect employees from rays generated by welding operations, safeguard moving machine parts, control potentially hazardous energy, properly mark doorways as exits, properly dispense flammable liquids, ensure that fire extinguishers are mounted and readily accessible, ensure that oxygen and acetylene cylinders are properly stored, ensure the proper use of a drill press, implement a site-specific respiratory protection program and conduct medical examinations prior to allowing employees to wear respirators. The citations carry $63,450 in penalties. A serious violation occurs when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Two other-than-serious violations involve failing to create and post a summary of workplace injuries and illnesses. The citations carry $4,000 in penalties. 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.

"We will continue to hold employers legally responsible when they fail to comply with OSHA's standards to keep workers safe," said Albert D'Imperio, director of OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office. "It's vital for this company to ensure that safeguards are in place to protect the safety and health of its employees."

Insinger Machine Co., which employs about 50 workers, manufactures dishwashers for the food service and institutional industries. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for 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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.