OSHA cites Alabama pallet manufacturer putting workers at risk of machinery, electrical and other hazards

Employer name: Southeast Forest Products Inc., doing business as Southeast Pallet & Box Co.

Inspection site: 4596 Washington Ferry Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36108

Citations issued: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations to Southeast Pallet & Box Co. for one repeated and 10 serious safety violations. OSHA initiated the inspection as part of its National Emphasis Program on Amputations to identify and reduce workplace amputation hazards. 

Investigation findings: The repeated citation was issued to the employer for not closing numerous openings located in the cabinet, exposing employees to potential electric shock hazards. OSHA cited the company for the same violation at this facility in November 2013.

The serious citations relate to the employer’s failure to:

• Evaluate confined space areas where permits are required.
• Protect workers from the hazards of unguarded machinery.
• Provide a guardrail system around open pits and tanks.
• Keep floors clean and dry in the facility.

Proposed penalties: $49,974

Quote: “Although Southeast Pallet & Box Co. was inspected and cited previously, we again found numerous safety hazards that put employees at risk of serious injury or death,” said Joseph Roesler, OSHA’s area director in Mobile. “Employers cannot wait for an OSHA inspection or an incident to occur before they evaluate and correct workplace hazards.”

The citations can be viewed at: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/legacy-files/OSHA20160907.pdf

Southeast Pallet & Box Co. manufactures and refurbishes wooden pallets. The company 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 independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint; or report amputations, eye loss, 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 Mobile Area Office at 251-441-6131.

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.