Region 4 News Release: 10-1306-ATL (555)
Sept. 28, 2010
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Email: D'Aquino.Michael@dol.gov Wald.Michael@dol.gov
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Atlanta paper recycler with $48,000
in proposed fines for failing to correct previous workplace hazards

ATLANTA - Nexus Pulp and Paper has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration with $48,000 in proposed penalties for allegedly failing to correct workplace health hazards at their Atlanta facility.

During an inspection in May, an OSHA compliance officer found the company had not made corrections to violations uncovered during a 2009 inspection of the location. These failure-to-abate violations include failing to develop a written personal protective equipment hazard assessment to determine the protection needed by workers for each job and failing to provide employees with training in how to use personal protective equipment.

Employees were exposed to chemicals without access to material safety data sheets with information on those chemicals, a written hazard communication program warning them concerning their exposure to chemicals and training on the hazards of the chemicals used in their work areas.

"OSHA will not accept or tolerate an employer's failure to correct conditions that threaten workers' health," said Andre Richards, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office.

Nexus Pulp and Paper is a paper recycler located in northwest Atlanta.

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-West Area Office, 2400 Herodian Way, Suite 250, Smyrna, Ga., 30080; telephone 770-984-8700. To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline 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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