Region 7 News Release: 11-1527-KAN
Oct. 26, 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 Central Transport International in
Omaha, Neb., for repeat safety violations, including unsafe forklifts
Proposed fines total $114,000

OMAHA, Neb. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Central Transport International Inc. for two repeat safety violations at the company's Omaha facility, including allowing workers to operate unsafe forklifts and failing to provide proper eyewash facilities for workers exposed to corrosive chemicals. Proposed penalties total $114,000.

OSHA's Omaha Area Office initiated its inspection as part of a local emphasis program on the handling of motorized equipment, such as powered industrial trucks, skid steers, cranes, man lifts, front-end loaders and aerial lifts in general industry and in construction.

The first violation was cited for exposing workers to hazards by allowing them to operate forklifts that remained in service even after deficiencies were noted. The second violation was cited for exposing workers' eyes, faces and hands to corrosive chemicals without providing suitable eyewash facilities. 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 company was cited for the same violations at numerous facilities between 2006 and 2010.

"Employers who are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to workplace safety and health standards. Deficient forklifts and improperly handled chemicals can lead to serious injuries and death," said Charles E. Adkins, the agency's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "All employers, especially those in high-hazard sectors, must take the necessary steps to eliminate hazards from the workplace."

The citations can be viewed at
http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/CentralTransp_314060526_1019_11.pdf*.

Central Transport International Inc., a national freight company based in Warren, Mich., has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Omaha, 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 402-553-0174.

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.

* Accessibility Assistance: Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.