Region 4 News Release: 11-1212-ATL (407)
Aug. 23, 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's OSHA cites Georgia plastic manufacturer
for 11 safety violations, proposes more than $51,000 in penalties

MACON, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Plastican Inc. in Macon, a division of Bway Holding Corp., with 11 safety violations following an April inspection of the company's facility. Proposed penalties total $51,757.

Ten serious violations involve failing to develop lockout/tagout procedures for the energy sources of the injection molding machine, grinders and blenders; exposing employees to fall hazards by having a missing mid-rail on a platform; allowing unguarded equipment; not closing the open holes of junction boxes located throughout the plant; not labeling the purposes of the breakers on the electrical panel; obstructing access to the electrical panels; exposing electrical parts on equipment; not wiring a fan directly to a switch; slip and trip hazards; and several instances of flexible cords being used as permanent wiring. 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 violation is being cited for failing to certify monthly inspections of the hooks for the overload crane. 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 inspection identified a broad range of hazards that, if left uncorrected, expose workers to electric shock, potential falls and 'caught-in' hazards posed by work around machinery," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "Employers cannot wait for an OSHA inspection to identify the hazards that expose their employees to serious injury. It is good business to implement preventive programs and systems to ensure that such hazards are identified and corrected as part of day-to-day operations."

Bway Holding Corp., a North American manufacturer of rigid metal and plastic containers, has its corporate office in Atlanta and acquired Plastican Inc. in October 2010. The Macon facility manufactures plastic open head pails and screw top injection pails.

The company 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.