Region 5 News Release: 11-1426-CHI
Oct. 11, 2011
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976 312-353-4807
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Sifco Forge Group in Cleveland
for 13 safety violations, proposes more than $84,000 in fines

CLEVELAND – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited aircraft component manufacturer Sifco Forge Group in Cleveland for one repeat and 12 serious safety violations. Proposed fines total $84,370.

"Employers have a responsibility to maintain safe working environments, which includes ensuring that workers are trained in recommended safety procedures for the daily tasks they perform," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers, especially when employers fail to do so."

The repeat violation was cited for failing to complete, document and certify annual inspections of energy control procedures. 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. Sifco was cited for this violation at the same facility in 2010.

The serious violations involve failing to properly guard machinery, provide training on lockout/tagout procedures to prevent equipment from being unexpectedly energized, develop and maintain a written fire safety program, develop and enforce the use of die setting procedures for mechanical power presses, and examine powered industrial trucks prior to each shift. 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.

Sifco Forge Group 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 Cleveland Area Office at 216-615-4266.

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.