Region 5 News Release: 13-2325-CHI
Dec. 19, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Integrated Airline Services in
Franklin Park, Ill., for repeat safety violations; proposes $55,000 in fines

FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. – Integrated Airline Services Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for two repeat safety violations at its Franklin Park shipping and receiving warehouse. OSHA initiated an inspection in September after a complaint alleged the company operated powered industrial vehicles in disrepair. Proposed penalties total $55,000.

"Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers by correcting hazards, such as maintaining powered industrial vehicles in good working order," said Diane Turek, OSHA's area director for the Chicago North Area Office in Des Plaines. "Workers should never be asked to operate vehicles with unsecured propane tanks and in disrepair. Employers who are cited for repeat and failure-to-abate citations demonstrate a lack of commitment to worker safety and health."

Two repeat violations include failing to mount removable fuel tanks securely on powered industrial trucks to prevent them from jarring loose, slipping or falling during operation. The company also was operating vehicles with bad tires, missing and damaged panels, and broken hydraulics.

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 violations were cited in July 2012 at the same facility.

Integrated Airline Services Inc., a provider of tailor-made services to air carriers, 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 Chicago North Area Office at 847-803-4800.

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.