Region 5 News Release: 11-1125-CHI
Aug. 8, 2011
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976 312-353-4807
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites MM Industries in Salem, Ohio,
for 38 serious safety and health violations; fines total more than $102,000

Citations [PDF* 4MB]

SALEM, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited MM Industries for 38 serious safety and health violations at its Salem facility, including failing to guard machinery and provide personal protective equipment. The facility fabricates filtration systems. The company faces $102,600 in proposed fines.

"Employers have a responsibility to ensure work environments are healthful and safe, which includes providing appropriate equipment and training to protect workers," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's Cleveland area director.

Twenty-six serious safety violations with proposed fines of $63,600 involve not knowing the weight capacity of a floor for overhead storage; no emergency lighting; failure to implement and train workers in lockout/tagout procedures to control the release of hazardous energy; not removing a punctured and torn synthetic web sling from service; and failing to inspect cranes. Additionally, the company failed to install machine guards on a Delta bandsaw, Cleveland polisher, Reliance polisher, portable disc grinder, spot welder and numerous lathes.

Twelve serious health violations with proposed fines of $39,000 involve failing to have a written respiratory protection program; failure to have a written hazard communication program; failing to identify and label containers of hazardous chemicals; failing to cover lacquer containers; constructing a spray booth of flammable materials; and not providing information and training to employees on hazardous chemicals in the workplace. 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, two other-than-serious violations with no proposed monetary penalties involve failing to properly maintain the OSHA 300 injury and illness log, and not properly marking a crane. 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.

The facility fabricates filtration systems MM Industries 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. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's Cleveland Area Office at 216-615-4266. 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.

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