Region 5 News Release: 11-1752-CHI
Dec. 20, 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 Warren Fabricating and Machining in
Hubbard, Ohio, for 10 safety violations including lack of machine guarding

HUBBARD, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Warren Fabricating and Machining Corp. for 10 serious safety violations, including a lack of machine guarding and training at its steel manufacturing plant in Hubbard. Proposed fines total $47,000 following a November inspection.

"Employers are responsible for knowing the hazards that exist in their workplaces and for training workers in proper safety measures, such as the use of machine guards and lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental startup of energy sources," said Howard Eberts, director of OSHA's Cleveland Area Office. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers, especially when employers fail to do so."

The violations include failing to develop machine-specific procedures to control energy sources and appropriate methods for securing machinery or equipment; conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures; and provide training to workers on lockout/tagout procedures. Additionally, three violations are for misuse of powered industrial trucks, commonly know as fork trucks, including failing to inspect trucks prior to placing them in service; ensure that employees received powered industrial truck training; and remove defective trucks from service.

The remaining violations include failing to provide machine guarding, ensure that compressed air used for cleaning purposes did not exceed 30 pounds per square inch, ensure proper strain release on lighting fixtures and complete inspections of jib cranes at required intervals.

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.

Warren Fabricating and Machining, which specializes in the construction of steam turbines, gas turbines and generators, is headquartered in Warren. In addition to its facility in Hubbard, the company also operates plants in Warren and Niles. The company has been inspected by OSHA seven times since 1991, resulting in 60 violations.

Warren Fabricating and Machining Corp. 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 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.