10-980-ATL (440)
July 20, 2010
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 Legion Industries in Waynesboro, Ga., for 43 safety and health violations

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued citations to Legion Industries in Waynesboro, Ga., for 39 alleged serious and four alleged other-than-serious workplace safety and health violations. Proposed penalties total $75,000.

"Workers should not be exposed to possible amputations and other serious hazards just to earn a paycheck," said Robert Vazzi, OSHA area director in Savannah.

OSHA began an inspection in January after receiving a complaint about conditions at the 31-person plant, which manufacturers cooking equipment and performs metal stamping.

Serious violations include equipment lacking machine guards to prevent workers from being pulled into equipment, which could result in amputation hazards; using flexible cord as a substitute for fixed wiring that results in electrical hazards; and exposing employees to chemical hazards without proper training or personal protective equipment. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The four other-than-serious citations were issued for failing to provide a written respiratory protection program, a written certification for workplace hazard assessment, hearing protection and determining employee exposure levels to hexavalent chromium. No penalties are being assessed for the other-than-serious violations, which OSHA defines as one that is not likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Legion Industries has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Savannah area office, 450 Mall Blvd., Suite J, Savannah, GA 31406; telephone 912-652-4393. To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline number at 800-321-6742.

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 assure 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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