Region 4 News Release: 11-1512-ATL (513)
Oct. 26, 2011
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

North Georgia sewing contractor cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA
for serious safety violations; nearly $47,000 proposed in penalties

MORGANTON, Ga. – Dacorp Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 17 safety violations at its sewing plant in Morganton after an inspection identified a number of deficiencies, including obstructed exit routes and electrical hazards. The inspection began following OSHA's receipt of a complaint alleging hazards at the plant. Proposed penalties total $46,900.

"Our inspection found serious hazards that reflect management's neglect of maintenance and safety procedures. Employees have the right to expect a workplace free of hazards that could endanger their lives," said William Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office.

Sixteen serious violations included an insufficient number of exit routes, an obstructed exit route and exits not properly marked; allowing a portable liquefied petroleum gas container to be stored improperly; a number of potential fire hazards stemming from damaged electrical equipment; electrical hazards that exposed employees to shock dangers; not training employees in the proper use of powered industrial trucks; an exhaust fan that lacked safeguards; not providing employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work areas; and the lack of material safety data sheets for all chemicals found at the plant; no assessment to determine the need for personal protective equipment; and not supplying workers with eye protection. 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 with no monetary penalty was cited for use of flexible cords instead of fixed wiring. 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.

Dacorp Inc., a sewing contractor, 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 Atlanta-East office at 770-493-6644.

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.