Region 5 News Release: 13-1181-CHI
June 19, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Penn Aluminum International fined $45,000 by US Labor Department's
OSHA for 9 safety violations at Murphysboro, Ill., manufacturing facility

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Penn Aluminum International LLC has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for nine serious safety violations carrying proposed fines of $45,000. OSHA initiated an inspection of the aluminum product manufacturer in January under the national emphasis program for the primary metal industry.

"Penn Aluminum International has a responsibility to recognize the hazards that exist in its facility and to train workers on proper safety precautions and protocols," said Tom Bielema, OSHA's area director in Fairview Heights. "Compromising safety procedures can result in injuries and illness to workers. OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job."

The nine violations involve inadequate machine guarding, lack of guardrailing around a fall hazard and failing to evaluate spaces to determine if they required confined space entry permits. Additional violations include modifying powered industrial trucks without manufacturer's approval, failing to maintain floors in a dry condition and failing to inspect slings and fastenings prior to use and remove damaged slings from service.

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.

Penn Aluminum International 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. The facility was last inspected by OSHA in 2004 when two other-than-serious violations were issued.

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 Fairview Heights Office at 618-632-8612.

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.