Region 3 News Release: 10-1126-PHI (osha 10-183)
Aug. 23, 2010
Contact: Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5101
E-mail: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Exeter, Pa.,
manufacturer $156,000 for workplace safety hazards

EXETER, Pa. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Bridon American Corp. for workplace safety and health hazards at its Exeter facility. Proposed penalties total $156,000.

The citations and penalties stem from a February OSHA investigation conducted as part of a local emphasis program on amputations.

"Employers are legally responsible for ensuring a safe workplace for their employees, and OSHA is committed to holding them accountable," said Mark Stelmack, director of OSHA's area office in Wilkes Barre, Pa.

As a result of the investigation, OSHA has cited the company with six repeat violations carrying a penalty of $127,500 for inadequate lockout/tagout procedures for energy sources, unguarded machinery and electrical hazards. OSHA issues a repeat violation if an employer previously was cited for the same or a similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last three years.

Seven serious citations with a penalty of $28,500 also have been issued. These are for unguarded machinery, inadequate lockout/tagout procedures for energy sources and fall hazards. 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.

Bridon American Corp. has 166 employees and manufactures wire rope for the maritime, transportation and construction industries.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Wilkes Barre or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Wilkes Barre Area Office; telephone 570-826-6538. 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.

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