Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

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Department of Labor Logo OSHA News Release -
Atlanta
Region


Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.

 

Region 4 News Release: 11-1578-ATL (538)
Nov. 14, 2011
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

 

Georgia plating company cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for repeat
and serious safety and health violations; more than $77,000 proposed in fines

MAYSVILLE, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Browning Metal Finishing of Maysville for 16 safety and health violations following an inspection that was initiated after OSHA received a complaint about the company. Proposed penalties total $77,220.

Seven repeat safety and health violations were cited with $52,800 in penalties. The four safety violations include using PVC piping for compressed air throughout the facility, failing to secure or mount electrical outlets properly, failing to guard live electrical parts of equipment and failing to protect circuit breaker openings. Three health violations include failing to provide hot water with the correct pressure for an emergency eyewash station; failing to monitor or sample employees' 8-hour weighted exposure to hexavalent chromium, failing to develop a hazard communication program for employees working with lead and hexavalent chromium, and failing to label the plating tanks with their contents. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or similar violation of standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The company was cited for the same violations in November 2007.

Seven serious safety and health violations were cited with $24,420 in penalties. Six safety violations involve failing to ensure that latches are installed on an overhead hoist and regularly inspected, provide workers with the required training to operate powered industrial trucks, provide guarding for equipment, cover circuit breakers and replace missing stair rails, as well as installing improper receptacles in damp locations. One health violation was cited for permitting surfaces to contain excessive levels of lead in the plating area where employees are permitted to consume beverages. 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.

Two other-than-serious safety violations were cited with no monetary penalty for not having each exit marked with a sign, and for allowing flexible cords and cables to be used as permanent wiring 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.

"This employer continues to endanger its workers by failing to correct hazardous conditions," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "Management must take immediate action to eliminate these deficiencies."

The metal plating 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.

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.