AL Solutions, Inc., a manufacturer of titanium and zirconium alloy compacts used in the aluminum manufacturing industry, was cited for exposing workers to workplace safety and health hazards following an explosion and fire that killed three at the company's New Cumberland facility according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
According to OSHA, the agency began an investigation in response to the Dec. 9, 2010, incident in Missouri. As a result, the company received citations for one willful, 16 serious and one other-than-serious violation. The willful violation (one committed with intentional knowledge or voluntary disregard for legal requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health) citation is for alleged use of an unsafe water sprinkler system.
Serious violations citations include the company's alleged failure to provide a properly designed gas detection system for hydrogen; to provide over-pressure protection; to safely store flammable metals; to provide safe egress; to provide appropriate personal protective equipment; to ensure the safe use of forklifts and provide hazard communication training. A serious violation is defined 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.
The other-than-serious violation is the company's alleged failure to maintain required record-keeping by not completing OSHA Form 301, the Injury and Illness Incident Report. (WCxKit)
Penalties total $154,000.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
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