Region 4 News Release: 12-1407-ATL (273)
July 24, 2012
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

Pyongsan America cited by US Labor Department's OSHA
for repeat and serious workplace safety hazards at Auburn, Ala., facility

AUBURN, Ala. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Pyongsan America Inc. with six safety violations at its Auburn manufacturing facility. OSHA's inspection, initiated in March upon receipt of a complaint alleging hazards, was conducted as part of the agency's National Emphasis Program on Amputations and its Local Emphasis Program on Powered Industrial Trucks. Proposed penalties total $43,560.

Two repeat violations involve failing to secure compressed gas cylinders and guard the points of operation on the crimper and bending machines. The citations carry $23,760 in penalties. 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 facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Similar violations were cited in 2011.

Four serious violations involve failing to conduct periodic inspections of the energy control procedures, provide training for employees on the lockout/tagout of energy sources, secure racks that are used for storing materials and repair electrical deficiencies. The citations carry $19,800 in penalties. 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.

"This company continues to put its workers at risk by failing to implement safety measures that would prevent serious injuries and possible death," said Joseph Roesler, OSHA's area director in Mobile. "Employers are legally responsible for ensuring a safe and healthful workplace for employees, and will be held responsible when they fail to do so."

Pyongsan America Inc., which manufactures automotive parts for Hyundai Motor Co., 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 Mobile Area Office at 251-441-6131.

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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.