Signature Aluminum settles with OSHA on safety hazards

Signature Aluminum Inc. has agreed to pay $78,000 in penalties and abate the workplace hazards cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA cited the Greenville manufacturing facility on September 21, 2007, after agency inspectors found hazards involving the control of hazardous energy, as well as other safety and health violations.

Under a settlement agreement filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, Signature Aluminum also will expand its safety and health program to offer greater protections for its employees. The company will provide enhanced training to all supervisors and managers regarding OSHA requirements for the adequate control of hazardous energy; expand the coverage provided by an industrial nurse; restructure a joint union/management safety committee; conduct special training for all employees on the control of hazardous energy; and emphasize management commitment and employer involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training.

"Signature Aluminum is taking all of the right steps to turn a potentially dangerous situation around to better protect its employees," said Ed Selker, OSHA's acting deputy regional administrator in Philadelphia. "The company's willingness to take action before a crisis occurs sets a vital example for others in the industry."

OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations.