Region 4 News Release: 13-1892-ATL (258)
Sept. 26, 2013
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Lindsay Williams
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov williams.lindsay.l@dol.gov

Hazzard Marine in Georgetown, SC, cited by US Department of Labor's
OSHA for 32 safety and health violations; more than $59,000 proposed in fines

GEORGETOWN, S.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Hazzard Marine LLC with 32 safety and health violations and $59,200 in proposed penalties following a May inspection prompted by a complaint at the marina in Georgetown.

Twenty-eight serious safety and health violations, with $58,800 in penalties, include the employer's failure to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program; identify and evaluate respiratory hazards in the workplace; develop, implement or maintain a written hazard communication program; designate a competent person to perform inspections and tests, such as air sampling in a confined space; and ensure visual inspection of spaces containing combustible or flammable liquids before workers' initial entry. Additionally, the employer failed to train workers about the dangers associated with working in confined/enclosed spaces and establish an in-house rescue team, or make arrangements with an outside agency for prompt emergency response, and determine the potential hazards that require the use of personal protective equipment. Other violations involve permitting industrial truck operators to not wear seat belts and to use equipment without proper training, or when equipment is in need of repair; the use of compressed air for cleaning exceeding 30 pounds-per-square inch; not having a first aid provider available during each shift; failing to have a written fire safety plan; a lack of equipment guarding; and instances of electrical and explosion hazards. 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.

Four other-than-serious violations, with $400 in penalties, relate to failing to have an air compressor with the glass cover over the pressure gauge, record workplace injuries and illnesses on OSHA's 300 log for 2013, post signs that read "no smoking" in the paint spray area and have hot or tepid running water in the lavatory. 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.

"Our inspection found serious hazards that reflect management's lack of knowledge of safety procedures," said Darlene Fossum, OSHA's area director in Columbia. "Employers are responsible for being aware of potential hazards and implementing appropriate preventative measures to ensure a safe and healthful workplace."

Hazzard Marine provides services for boat repair, cleaning, storage, dock rental and refitting. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's Columbia 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 Columbia Area Office at 803-765-5904.

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 216-893-7828 or TTY 216-893-7755.