09-1527-PHI (osha 09-264)
Dec. 18, 2009
Contact: Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5102

US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Huntington, W.Va., printing company nearly $160,000 for workplace safety and health hazards

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Chapman Printing Co. for workplace safety and health violations. Proposed penalties total $158,400.

OSHA initiated its inspection on June 18 in response to a formal complaint. As a result of the investigation, the company has been issued citations for six willful violations, with a penalty of $126,000; eight serious violations, with a penalty of $27,900; and five other-than-serious violations, with a penalty of $4,500.

"Each of these violations leaves the company's workers vulnerable to potential injuries and illness," said Jeff Funke, area director of OSHA's Charleston, W.Va., office. "It is important that Chapman Printing Co. eliminate these hazards to ensure a safe and healthy work environment."

The willful violations address the company's failure to provide adequate energy control procedures and a hearing conservation program. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to, or intentional disregard for, employee safety and health.

The serious violations include a lack of machine guarding, failure to conduct a hazard assessment of the workplace to determine the need for personal protective equipment, failure to provide personal protective equipment for employees, and failure to provide and use protective equipment when working on or near energized electrical equipment. OSHA issues a serious citation when there is 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 violations are due to the company's inadequate recordkeeping.

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: 304-597-4955.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at 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 www.dol.gov/compliance.