The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited EP Heller Co. of Madison, New Jersey, for two willful violations for failing to properly guard machinery to protect employees from possible amputations. Proposed penalties total $56,000.
"OSHA previously cited this company for the same amputation hazards involving the same machinery, yet it continues to jeopardize worker safety by not ensuring the proper safeguards are in place," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Parsippany area office. "The proposed penalties in this case reflect the severe nature of the cited hazards. OSHA remains committed to holding companies legally accountable for failing to uphold their responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace."
OSHA inspectors also identified 11 serious violations for hazards including workers not medically evaluated, fit tested and trained on the respirators provided for protection against metal dust, as well as a lack of guarding on grinding machinery.
EP Heller Co., which manufactures and services carbide steel cutting tools, has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
For more information, visit www.osha.gov.