Ohio Aluminum Industries Faces Potential Fine

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Ohio Aluminum Industries, Garfield Heights, Ohio, with 14 safety violations carrying $60,900 in proposed fines.
 

Ohio Aluminum was cited for the following violations:

• Failing to provide machine guards on the bandsaw blade;
• Failing to properly ground equipment;
• Failing to provide personal protective equipment, such as aluminized aprons and mesh screen face shields to protect against burns;
• Failing to verify process safety management procedures and practices for sulfur dioxide as well as provide proper training to employees regarding safe operating practices;
• Exposing workers to continuous noise beyond the permissible eight-hour noise exposure limit;
• Failing to implement engineering controls to reduce noise;
• Allowing wood dust to accumulate on the floor and surfaces in the pattern shop and allowing aluminum dust to collect in the shot blast machine, creating the potential for an explosive dust hazard; and
• Failing to implement explosion protection measures for equipment and exhaust ventilation systems in which there is a potential for a combustible dust explosion or fire.

Howard Eberts, OSHA Cleveland area director, says, "Providing machine guarding, personal protective equipment and noise reduction for workers are basic safety requirements in the workplace. Employers have a responsibility to ensure work environments are safe and healthful, which includes providing appropriate equipment and training to protect workers."

Ohio Aluminum Industries has 15 business days from the time it receives 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.