Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
News Brief
Jefferson County metal manufacturer cited for 27 serious violations in federal workplace safety inspection, faces $47K in fines
Employer name: Falls Creek Powdered Metals Inc., 82 Industrial Drive, Brockway, Pennsylvania
Citations issued: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued 27 serious citations on May 17, 2016.
Inspection findings: OSHA opened an inspection on Nov. 23, 2015, in response to a complaint alleging hazards at the facility. Inspectors cited the company for exposing workers to unguarded or improperly guarded machines, and for the lack of a as a lockout/tagout program to control hazardous energy.
Quote: “The lack of machine guarding, coupled with a deficient system to prevent unexpected machine starts, represents a danger to workers at the plant,” said Theresa A. Naim, director of OSHA’s Erie area office. “Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Anything less is unacceptable.”
Proposed penalties: $47,000
The citations can be viewed at: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/FallsCreekPowderedMetalsInc_1107787_05_13_2016.pdf.
The employer 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 Erie Area Office at 814-874-5150.
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.