Government safety organizations are tasked with making working conditions safer for workers. Here is a recent story of an extrusion company that was fined by Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
Because this company will have the opportunity to contest this fine, the APSB has left out the company name.
Here is the recent story:
An extrusion company in the United States has been cited by OSHA for nine (9) serious violations carrying proposed fines of $45,000. OSHA initiated an inspection of the aluminium product manufacturer earlier this year under the national emphasis program for the primary metal industry.
"The company has a responsibility to recognize that hazards that exist in its facility and to train on proper safety precautions and protocols," said OSHA's area director. "Compromising safety procedures can result in injuries and illness to workers. OSHA is commited to protecting workers on the job."
The nine violation involve:
- Lack if guardrailing around a fall hazard
- Failing to evaluate spaces to determine if the required confined space entry permits.
- Modifying power industrial trucks without manufacturer's approval
- Failing to maintain floors in a dry condition
- Failing to inspect slings and fastenings prior to use and remove damaged slings from service.
A serious violation occurs where 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 aluminium extrusion company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission. This facility was last inspected by OSHA in 2004 when two other-than-serious violations were issued.
Some of the violations that this company were cited for are common issues that get overlooked in our plants. In particular, "Modifying power industrial trucks without manufacturer's approval". This violation can also be cited for altering anything without manufacturer's approval.
Also the "failing to inspect slings and fastenings prior to use and remove damaged slings from service" is a common citation. The APSB did observe a method that would prevent this citation from occurring at a North American cast house. This location had a hanging shelf with paired slings that were zip-tied with an date and signature for approval. Workers would take a pair, cut the zip tie and use them. Afterwards, the workers would place the used slings in a container that had a flap door (like a garbage can) near the approved slings. At which time the cast house had a procedure where a specified individual would inspect the slings (for wear). That individual would pair the appropriate slings (zip-tie and sign the label) and hang them in the appropriate shelf to be used.
That simple method has worked great for this cast house. Commonly the simple methods work the best.
Also the "failing to inspect slings and fastenings prior to use and remove damaged slings from service" is a common citation. The APSB did observe a method that would prevent this citation from occurring at a North American cast house. This location had a hanging shelf with paired slings that were zip-tied with an date and signature for approval. Workers would take a pair, cut the zip tie and use them. Afterwards, the workers would place the used slings in a container that had a flap door (like a garbage can) near the approved slings. At which time the cast house had a procedure where a specified individual would inspect the slings (for wear). That individual would pair the appropriate slings (zip-tie and sign the label) and hang them in the appropriate shelf to be used.
That simple method has worked great for this cast house. Commonly the simple methods work the best.
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