Region 5 News Release: 13-103-CHI
Feb. 6, 2012
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Shindler Tire Recycling LLC
after Milwaukee employer fails to abate safety violations

MILWAUKEE – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Shindler Tire Recycling LLC in Milwaukee with 12 safety violations after a November 2012 follow-up inspection found the employer has failed to abate previous citations by developing a written hazard communication program and training workers on its requirements. Proposed fines total $53,856.

"Employers, such as Shindler Tire Recycling, have a responsibility to correct safety violations and to train their workers on job safety and health requirements," said Carlos Gallegos, OSHA's acting area director in Milwaukee. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."

Two failure to abate citations were issued for failing to provide documentation as to how the employer corrected deficiencies involving the lack of a written hazard communication program and information and training for employees. These were cited by OSHA in an August 2011 inspection.

Eight repeat violations address the lack of housekeeping and dust accumulations; inadequate guarding on machinery, including nip points, a wheel work rest and wheel tongue guard; storing tires and waste piles in a manner that created a collapse hazard; failing to have available material safety data sheets, cover unused openings on electrical equipment and maintain electrical equipment free from hazards. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Similar violations were cited during the August 2011 inspection.

One serious violation was cited for failing to enclose horizontal shafting. 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.

Additionally, one other-than-serious violation was issued for failing to cover a floor hole. 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.

Shindler Tire Recycling is a recycling center for rubber tires that are shredded and processed through grinders to create a product suitable for burning. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal 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 Milwaukee Area Office at 414-297-3315.

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.