Region 5 News Release: 13-378-CHI
March 6, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Agri-Fab for 3 repeat safety violations
at Sullivan, Ill., manufacturing plant after worker suffers amputation injury

SULLIVAN, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Agri-Fab Inc. with three repeat safety violations after receiving a complaint that a worker suffered an amputation injury at the Sullivan manufacturing facility in September 2012. Proposed penalties total $93,500.

"Agri-Fab has a responsibility to recognize the hazards that exist in its workplace and ensure employees are properly trained in the safe operation and maintenance of equipment they are required to use," said Tom Bielema, OSHA's area director in Peoria. "Employers who are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to employee safety and health."

The repeat violations cited include failing to develop, document and utilize energy control procedures for a press and provide employee training on energy controls and require that lockout/tagout devices be attached to energy isolating devices during maintenance operations to prevent equipment from unexpectedly becoming energized. 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 citations were cited in January 2012 at the Sullivan facility.

The company, which develops and manufactures attachments, such as lawn sweepers, spreaders, mowers and snow throwers for the lawn and garden industry, has 15 days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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 Peoria Area Office at 309-589-7033.

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.