Region 7 News Release: 11-1175-KAN
Aug. 9, 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 American Pulverizer Co. in
St. Louis, Mo., for 33 safety violations; $121,100 proposed in fines
Employees exposed to numerous occupational hazards

Citations [PDF* 1.61MB]

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited St. Louis-based manufacturer American Pulverizer Co. for one repeat, 31 serious and one other-than-serious safety violation. OSHA's inspection of the reduction equipment manufacturing facility was initiated in February under a local emphasis program focused on electrical safety in general industry establishments. Proposed penalties total $121,100.

"There is no excuse for such lack of attention to hazards in the work environment," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "It is imperative that employers take the necessary steps to provide a safe workplace for all employees in order to prevent needless injuries or worse."

The repeat violation relates to a lack of grounding continuity in electrical equipment. A similar violation was cited in October 2006. 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.

The serious violations address hazards associated with cranes, lockout/tagout of energy sources, powered industrial trucks, electrical equipment, flammable liquids and gas, welding, housekeeping and machine guarding. 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.

The other-than-serious violation involves a record-keeping deficiency. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

American Pulverizer Co. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in St. Louis, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's St. Louis Area Office at 314-425-4249. To report workplace incidents, fatalities, or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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.

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