Region 4 News Release: 11-560-ATL (232)
May 18, 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 Department of Labor cites Dalton, Ga., carpet graphics company
with 13 safety and health violations, proposes penalties of $45,000

DALTON, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Quality Graphics Inc. with 13 safety and health violations following an inspection that began in January. Proposed penalties total $45,000.

"OSHA found numerous serious hazards, some of which involve risk of possible amputations by unguarded equipment and dangers related to improperly maintained forklifts," said Andre Richards, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office. "No business should allow these types of hazards in its workplace."

Twelve serious violations include hazards related to fire, tripping and electrical deficiencies, as well as several identified in OSHA's local emphasis program on forklifts, such as allowing employees to operate a forklift truck that had missing and damaged parts, not providing training on safe operation of forklift trucks and not conducting daily inspections of the forklift truck. The amputation violations cited are identified in OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Amputations.

One other-than-serious violation was cited with no monetary penalty for not developing a hazard communication program for employees using chemicals capable of causing eye and skin irritation.

Quality Graphics Inc. employs approximately 19 workers in Dalton and prints graphical designs on carpeting.

OSHA sponsors a free on-site consultation program, and encourages small- and medium-size companies to take advantage of this opportunity for help in creating safe and healthful work environments. Information is available at http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/index.html.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office, telephone 770-984-8700. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA'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.