Region 8 News Release: 11-965-DEN
June 30, 2011
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302
Email: kulczewski.richard@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Springs Transmission and
Automotive for exposing workers to variety of workplace hazards

DENVER – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Springs Transmission and Automotive Inc. for 18 safety and health violations following an inspection that began in May at the company's facility at 3310 Chelton Loop North in Colorado Springs. Proposed fines total $76,000.

"This employer has been cited for many of these conditions before and has failed to take any meaningful action," said John Healy, OSHA's area director in Englewood. "OSHA will not tolerate such negligence."

One willful violation addresses employee exposure to unstable and unsafe vehicle lifts. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

Nine repeat violations address hazards associated with chemical handling, improper electrical systems, unstable storage of materials and improper machine guarding. Springs Transmission and Automotive was cited for these same hazards in 2010. 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.

Six serious violations were cited for improper fire control during welding operations, inadequate personal protective equipment and a broken garage door. 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.

Two other-than-serious violations relate to deficient record keeping and first-aid supplies. 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.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Englewood Area Office; telephone 303-843-4500. 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.