OSHA cites KVK Foundry for repeatedly violating safety standards

MILLINGTON, Ill. — KVK Foundry Inc. has been cited for two willful and two repeat violations by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A March 2014 follow-up inspection found the Millington-based company failed to maintain requirements of OSHA's respiratory protection and hearing conservation standards. The foundry, which specializes in aluminum sand casting, was previously cited for these violations in December 2012. OSHA has proposed additional penalties of $48,928.

"OSHA's follow-up found that KVK Foundry initially fixed hazards cited in the first inspection, but lapsed into unsafe practices. KVK did not maintain the important standards that protect the long-term hearing and respiratory health of employees," said Jake Scott, OSHA's area director in North Aurora. "Employers, who are cited for repeat violations, demonstrate a lack of commitment to employee safety and health."

OSHA found that KVK Foundry failed to provide medical evaluations and annual fit testing for employees using respirators. The company failed to obtain yearly audiograms for employees exposed to noise at or above the eight-hour time-weighted average and did not post a safety instruction sign to warn employees that combustible aluminum dust should not be allowed to accumulate in the grinding room.

OSHA issues repeat violations if an employer was previously cited for the same or a similar violation of any standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

KVK Foundry has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's North Aurora Area Office at 630-896-8700.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.