OSHA cites Kansas foundry

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Acme Foundry Inc., Coffeyville, Kan., for 37 alleged violations following targeted safety and health inspections of the iron castings manufacturer in April. Proposed penalties total $113,800.

The inspections were conducted as part of OSHA's "Site Specific Targeting" plan that targets workplaces reporting high rates of injuries and illnesses. Acme has a workforce of 440.

"Employers must take necessary precautions to protect employees from workplace hazards," said Charles E. Adkins, CIH, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "This significant penalty demonstrates OSHA's commitment to assure compliance with job safety and health standards."

The safety inspection resulted in six repeat, nine serious and one other-than-serious alleged violations with proposed penalties of $77,500. The health inspection resulted in six repeat, 10 serious and five other-than-serious alleged violations with proposed penalties of $36,300.

Alleged repeat violations addressed hazards associated with: lack of standard guard rails on all open-sided floors; machines not anchored when designed for fixed locations; misuse of electrical equipment; electrical disconnect not identified; unused openings in electrical boxes not effectively closed; lack of faceplates/covers on energized electrical boxes; eyewash/quick drenching facilities not provided where injurious corrosives were used; general machine guarding deficiencies; unguarded belts and pulleys of equipment; and unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals. Repeat violations are those for which an employer has been previously cited for the same or a substantially similar condition and the citation has become a final order of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

The alleged serious violations addressed hazards associated with cranes, floor holes, powered industrial trucks, exits, personal protective equipment, confined spaces, material storage, electrical hazards, damaged slings and machine guarding. Serious violations occur when there is probability of death or serious physical harm and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

Alleged other-than-serious violations addressed hazards associated with flexible cords, injury and illness recordkeeping, housekeeping, and damaged slings.

Acme Foundry Inc. has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply with them, request and participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.