The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $114,000 in fines against Cast Metals Inc. of Deshler, Ohio, for an alleged willful violation and multiple serious violations of federal workplace safety standards.
OSHA selected Cast Metals Inc. for inspection as part of a local emphasis program concentrating on the primary metal industry. As a result of its inspection, opened in March 2008, OSHA issued the company citations alleging one willful violation and 39 serious violations, including 23 safety and 16 health regulation issues.
The willful violation addresses the lack of lockout/tagout training for employees exposed to unexpected energization of equipment during maintenance and servicing activities. Some of the serious violations address lack of personal protective equipment or face and eye protection for employees dealing with molten metal, training deficiencies, electrical hazards, silica and lead over-exposures, lack of respiratory protection training and high-level noise exposure.
"These issues should not exist at any worksite," said Jule Hovi, director of OSHA's area office in Toledo. "Employers must remain dedicated to keeping the workplace safe and healthful or face close OSHA scrutiny."
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
