OSHA Proposes 175,500 in Fines for Massachusetts Employer

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently cited Spincraft in North Billerica for 38 alleged violations of workplace safety standards.

 

 

According to an OSHA report, an inspection was opened after the agency learned that a worker sustained serious eye and facial injuries when the grinding wheel of the portable grinder he was operating ruptured and kicked back in his face. Inspectors found that the grinder was not guarded or set up properly, and steps had not been taken to ensure that it was operated at the proper speed. The metal fabrication plant faces a total of $175,500 in proposed penalties. (WCxKit)

 

 

The inspection also uncovered other hazards throughout the plant, including obstructed exit access, improper propane storage, failure to inspect cranes on a frequent and regular basis, failure to inspect crane running ropes and test crane upper limit switches, a lack of hazard communication training and numerous electrical hazards, as well as unguarded ladder way openings, floor holes, and open-sided floors and platforms.

 

 

A total of 32 serious violations carrying $173,000 in proposed penalties were cited. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. (WCxKit)

 

 

Six other-than-serious violations with $2,500 in fines were cited for undocumented energy control procedures and additional machine guarding, crane, electrical and hazard communication issues. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.