Region 4 News Release: 11-292-ATL (88)
March 10, 2011
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
E-mail: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

Imperial Aluminum facility in Scottsboro, Ala., cited by US Labor
Department's OSHA for 20 safety violations carrying $76,500 in penalties

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Imperial Aluminum's Scottsboro smelting plant for 20 safety violations following an October 2010 inspection. Proposed penalties total $76,500.

OSHA cited 17 serious safety violations, including failing to use lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources, guard open-sided floors and platforms, provide standard railings for fixed stairways, mark doorways or passages along an exit route, ensure fire extinguishers were readily available, provide machine guarding, remove a front end loader from service when repairs were needed, perform periodic inspections of crane hoists, keep aisles clear and free from debris, protect electrical conductors from abrasions, ensure unused openings in electrical panels were effectively closed and provide covers for junction boxes. A serious citation is issued 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.

The company also was cited for three other-than-serious violations: failing to complete OSHA 300 logs, certify a personal protective equipment hazard assessment and document the inspection of lockout/tagout procedures. 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.

"This company put its workers' safety at risk by exposing them to a variety of hazardous working conditions," said Roberto Sanchez, OSHA's area director in Birmingham. "OSHA's safety standards must be followed to avoid injuries and fatalities."

Imperial Aluminum, which is based in Chicago, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Birmingham or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Birmingham Area Office located at 950 N. 22 St., Suite 1050, Birmingham, AL 35203; telephone 205-731-1534. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (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 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.