Region 7 News Release: 13-406-KAN
March 20, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites CNH America for 10 safety violations
at Grand Island, Neb., facility; proposes $51,000 in fines

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited CNH America LLC with 10 safety violations at its Grand Island agricultural equipment manufacturing facility. Proposed penalties of $51,000 resulted from the November 2012 local emphasis program inspection for high-hazard general industry establishments, as identified by injury and illness rates in Nebraska.

"CNH America has a responsibility to make appropriate repairs and provide necessary personal protective equipment and training to ensure a safe working environment," said Bonita Winingham, OSHA's area director in Omaha. "Companies must recognize the hazards that exist in their workplaces and take action to prevent injury. OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job."

Ten serious violations were cited for failing to ensure compressed gas cylinders were properly stored and secured; remove a powered industrial truck from service after inspections revealed safety hazards; evaluate and certify evaluation of forklift truck driver performance at least every three years; ensure grinding wheels were flat and undamaged; and provide welding screens and replace damaged welding leads. Four of the violations involve electrical hazards, such as failing to label circuit-breaker boxes, provide covers over missing circuit breakers, repair a light switch that exposed workers to electrical shock hazards and attach extension cords to the building surface. 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.

CNH America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNH Global N.V., headquartered in Burr Ridge, Ill. The company has 30 manufacturing facilities worldwide producing agricultural and construction equipment. CNH America's Grand Island facility was previously inspected by OSHA in 2010 and 2011, resulting in six citations.

The company has 15 days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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 Omaha Area Office at 402-553-0171.

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.