Region 5 News Release: 11-626-CHI
May 11, 2011
Contact: Rhonda Burke Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976 312-353-6976
Email: burke.rhonda@dol.gov allen.scott@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Wheeling, Ill., appliance
distributor for 11 safety violations; fines total $49,000

WHEELING, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Coinmach Corp., an appliance distributor in Wheeling, for 11 safety violations, including failing to implement a respiratory protection program and to provide personal protective equipment. The company faces proposed penalties of $49,000.

"Employers are responsible for providing the training and personal protective equipment necessary to ensure workers can safely perform their jobs," said Diane Turek, OSHA's area director in Des Plaines. "A safe and healthful work site increases productivity, and benefits both employers and workers."

Nine serious violations include failing to implement a written respiratory protection plan, including training; ensuring employees were medically evaluated to wear and fitted for respirators; properly store and maintain respirators; implement a hazardous communications plan; ensure forklift operators were properly trained; implement written electrical safety procedures; de-energize electrical panels prior to maintenance; and provide personal protective equipment, such as eye and head protection and insulated tools, when working near electrical components. 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 violations were cited for failing to properly identify hazardous chemical containers. 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.

Coinmach Corp. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's Chicago North Area Office at 847-803-4800. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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.