Region 4 News Release: 13-164-ATL (29)
Feb. 11, 2013
Contact: Michael D'Aquino
Phone: 404-562-2076
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Tenax Manufacturing Alabama LLC for
serious safety violations; proposes more than $56,000 in penalties

EVERGREEN, Ala. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Tenax Manufacturing Alabama LLC with 15 alleged safety violations following an August 2012 inspection at the Evergreen plant. OSHA initiated the inspection as part of the agency's National Emphasis Program on Amputations. Proposed penalties total $56,296.

OSHA cited the manufacturer with 14 serious safety violations and a penalty of $55,486 for failing to develop an emergency action plan; provide handrailings on stairs; develop, document and utilize the control of potentially hazardous energy; guard machines; provide training on the energy control program, use of fire extinguishers and operating a forklift; and provide a written hazard communication program and correct electrical deficiencies. Additionally, the employer allowed workers to use forklifts without wearing seat belts. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

One other-than-serious violation with an $810 fine was cited for failing to maintain clean and dry floors. 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.

"Employers need to be proactive in addressing workplace hazards rather than waiting for OSHA inspectors to identify them," said Joseph Roesler, OSHA's area director in Mobile. "Employers are responsible for ensuring that their employees have a safe and healthful work environment."

Tenax Manufacturing Alabama produces construction netting and fencing. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings 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 Mobile Area Office at 251-441-6131.

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 216-893-7828 or TTY 216-893-7755.