OSHA cites VTCU for safety violations; seeks $211K fine

The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations against VTCU Corp., a manufacturer and renovator of electrical transformers, for alleged safety violations found during inspections at the company's Pocatello, Idaho, facility. The failure to abate, repeat, serious and other-than-serious citations carry proposed penalties totaling $211,200.

The inspections were initiated following complaints OSHA received and as follow-up to an inspection OSHA conducted in 2005 that found numerous violations resulting in citations issued to VTCU Corp.

The failure-to-abate citation alleges that inadequate load testing of cranes, for which the corporation was originally cited in 2005, had not been corrected. The repeat citations allege violations related to deficiencies in information and training on hazardous materials, walkways, combustible waste, personal protective equipment, cranes, slings and electrical hazards.

The serious citations were issued for inadequate lockout/tagout procedures to render machinery inoperable during maintenance and repair, as well as insufficient emergency preparedness, fire prevention, and housekeeping, and hazards associated with flammable liquids, confined space entry, personal protective equipment, cranes, hoisting units, electrical, slings, machine guarding and welding.

The other-than-serious citation alleges violations of standards for fire extinguishers and sanitation.

VTCU Corp. has 15 working days following receipt of the citations to contest the violations or request a meeting with OSHA to discuss the violation notices, including methods of correction, length of abatement periods and proposed penalties.