Region 5 News Release: 14-153-CHI
Feb. 6, 2014
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Arlington Plating Co. faces $155,430 in penalties for exposing workers
to guarding, electrical and other hazards
OSHA cites automotive plating plant for repeat safety violations

PALATINE, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Arlington Plating Co. for 25 safety violations, carrying proposed penalties of $155,430. OSHA initiated an inspection of the plant in August 2013 under the Site-Specific Targeting Program*, which targets facilities with a higher than average illness and injury rate.

"We've found repeat violations at Arlington Plating Co., which demonstrates a lack of commitment to employee safety and health," said Angeline Loftus, OSHA's area director for the Chicago North Area Office. "Lack of machine guarding can lead to amputation and other serious injuries. Additionally, workers should be protected from live electrical parts with personal protective equipment and safety training."

Five repeat violations involve:

• Lack of machine guarding on rotating parts.
• Failing to use relocatable power taps, in accordance with labeling.
• Not closing unused openings in electrical boxes.
• Using electrical outlet boxes that were missing basic safety features.
• Failing to maintain dry walking and working surfaces.

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. The same violations were cited in 2010 and 2012.

Twenty serious safety citations were issued to the company. Ten of those violations were cited in response to unsafe electrical work practices, including allowing employees to access electrical equipment where rust and corrosion was present, and for allowing employees to access live electrical cabinets without proper safety equipment. Four of the citations were issued for inadequate machine guarding on table saws, motors, pulleys and belts. The other violations included lack of hazardous energy control procedures, using ladders without secure footing and not having an emergency exit for employees in one area of the facility.

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.

To view the current citations, visit http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/ArlingtonPlatingCompany_929496_0205_14.pdf*

Arlington Plating Co. employs about 110 workers. OSHA cited it three times in 2010 and twice in 2012. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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 Chicago North Area Office at 847-803-4800.

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.

* Accessibility Assistance Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.