Region 7 News Release 10-565-KAN
May 10, 2010
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Graham Tire Co.
of Grand Island, Neb., for violations of OSH Act
Assessed penalties total $52,500

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Graham Tire Co., in Grand Island for alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act following the investigation of a complaint. Proposed penalties total $52,500.

"Our inspection identified safety hazards that must be addressed," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "It is imperative that employers take the necessary steps to eliminate hazards and provide a safe working environment for all of their employees."

OSHA's investigation, initiated in March, found one alleged repeat, one serious and two other-than-serious violations of the OSH Act.

The repeat violation is for failing to provide functioning safety latches on the hydraulic automobile lifts at the facility. A repeat violation is issued when an employer previously was cited for the same or similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facilities in federal enforcement states within the last three years.

The serious citation is for missing face plates on electrical outlets. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which an employer knew or should have known. The two other-than-serious violations are for recordkeeping and hazard communication deficiencies.

Graham Tire has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Omaha, Neb., or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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 assure 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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