Region 4 News Release: 12-226-ATL (055)
Feb. 16, 2012
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites List Industries Inc.'s Deerfield Beach,
Fla., plant with repeat and serious safety violations; fines total $56,000

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed $56,000 in penalties against List Industries Inc. after an inspection of its Deerfield Beach manufacturing plant found amputation hazards that had been previously cited during OSHA inspections in 2007 and 2009.

One repeat violation with a $49,000 penalty has been cited for allowing workers to operate a mechanical power press that lacked machine guards, exposing workers to being pulled into the machinery and suffering possible amputations. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

One serious violation with a $7,000 penalty also has been issued for exposing workers to amputation hazards by failing to use safety blocks when changing dies or equipment is being repaired. 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.

"OSHA will not tolerate management waiting for a serious injury to occur before correcting violations that expose workers to potential amputation hazards," said Darlene Fossum, the agency's area director in Fort Lauderdale. "Employers must take proactive actions toward workplace safety."

List Industries, a manufacturer of metal shelving and lockers with six locations in the U.S., 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 Fort Lauderdale office at 954-424-0242.

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, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.