Region 4 News Release: 11-596-ATL (214)
May 10, 2011
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Alpharetta, Ga.,
sign manufacturer for workplace hazards, proposes $89,000 in fines

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited CIB International Inc., doing business as Canam Signs and Imaging, with 15 safety and health violations at its shop in Alpharetta following a January inspection. Proposed penalties total $89,000.

The company was cited with one willful violation carrying a $56,000 penalty for exposing workers to fire hazards by permitting spray painting to be performed near welding operations. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

Thirteen serious violations with a $33,000 penalty include allowing flammable material to be stored near an emergency exit, failing to regularly inspect fire extinguishers, failing to implement a fire extinguisher training program, failing to separate the storage of oxygen and acetylene in a production area, failing to maintain information sheets for chemicals employees used in the production area and failing to develop a hazard communications program. The company also was cited for a number of electrical violations, such as permitting the use of extension cords with visible defects, not marking electrical panels, blocking electrical panels and disconnects with stored materials, and allowing electrical panels with missing breakers. 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 citation with no monetary penalty was issued for failing to implement a respiratory protection program for employees wearing tight-fitting respirators. 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 has allowed many hazards that increase the risk of injury to employees, and needs to incorporate safety and health as a part of its day-to-day operations," said William Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "OSHA will not allow employers to overlook obvious electrical and painting hazards, among others, that could lead to electrocutions, fires or explosions."

The vinyl and painted signs manufacturer at 826 Curie Drive in Alpharetta 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. The site was inspected by OSHA's Atlanta-East office, 2183 Northlake Parkway, Building 7, Suite 110, Tucker, Ga. 30084; telephone 770-493-6644. 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.