Region 9 News Release: 13-1281-SAN (SF-91)
July 9, 2013
Contact: Deanne Amaden Jose A. Carnevali
Phone: 415-625-2630 415-625-2631
Email: amaden.deanne@dol.gov carnevali.jose@dol.gov

Hawaii concrete manufacturer Tileco Inc. cited for safety and health violations
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $50,400 in fines

HONOLULU — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited concrete products manufacturer Tileco Inc. in Kapolei with 23 violations of workplace safety and health standards carrying proposed fines of $50,400. OSHA's Honolulu Area Office conducted an inspection in May under the agency's National Emphasis Program for amputations.

Twenty-two serious violations include failing to evaluate workplace hazards adequately; protect workers from amputation hazards associated with unguarded machinery and gears; protect workers from the unexpected startup of equipment during maintenance and setup; protect workers from confined space hazards; provide training on the use of powered industrial trucks; have in place a written respiratory program; ensure the proper fit and use of respirators; and have medical evaluations for workers using respiratory protection. There were also fall hazards associated with unprotected platforms. 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.

"Every worker has the right to a workplace free of hazards, and all employers have the responsibility to ensure hazards are identified and corrected," said Galen Lemke, director of OSHA's Honolulu Area Office. "An employer shouldn't wait for an OSHA inspection to address workplace safety and health issues to prevent injury and illnesses."

OSHA cited Tileco Inc. for one other-than-serious violation for conducting a modification to a powered industrial truck without approval from the manufacturer. 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 its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director or contest the findings to 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 Honolulu office at 808-541-2680.

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.