The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited concrete products manufacturer Tileco Inc. in Kapolei, Hawaii, with 23 violations of workplace safety and health standards carrying proposed fines of $50,400.
The 22 serious violations included 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. In addition, there were fall hazards associated with unprotected platforms.
OSHA also cited Tileco Inc. for one other-than-serious violation for conducting a modification to a powered industrial truck without approval from the manufacturer. 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.
"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."
For more information, visit www.osha.gov.