10-1154-PHI (osha 10-186)
Aug. 30, 2010
Contact: Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5101
E-mail: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Letart, W.Va., manufacturer for workplace safety and health hazards

LETART, W.Va. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Felman Production Inc. for exposing employees to workplace safety and health hazards at its plant in Letart. Proposed penalties total $44,000.

OSHA initiated an inspection on May 12, after being notified of an explosion in a waste dumpster at the facility. As a result of the inspection, the company was cited for 10 serious violations.

"Each of these hazards threatens the company's ability to provide employees with a safe and healthful work environment, and should be corrected immediately," said Prentice Cline, director of OSHA's Charleston Area Office in West Virginia.

The violations include inadequate hearing and respiratory protection programs, electrical hazards, improper use of compressed air, as well as employee exposure to silica, lead and manganese fumes. 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 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.

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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