Ohio Pallet Company Fined for Violations

The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued citations and proposed penalties totaling $179,700 to Allen County Recyclers Inc., doing business as Allen County Pallet Company, following an investigation into alleged workplace health and safety violations at its Lima, Ohio, facility.

"Strong enforcement has been one of the keys to this Administration's success in reducing workplace injuries and illnesses to record low levels," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. "The significant penalty of $179,700 in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of American workers."

The company was cited for two alleged willful violations for failing to lockout equipment before performing maintenance activities and failure to provide adequate machine guarding. A repeat violation was also issued for failing to provide adequate guarding on woodworking equipment. Serious violations addressed deficiencies with forklift operations, housekeeping, materials storage, and electrical cabinet maintenance.

OSHA also conducted a separate health inspection, which resulted in a serious citation for failing to inform workers of the need and purpose of audiometric testing. A willful citation was issued for failing to perform audiometric testing.

Allen County Pallet was last inspected in June 2003 following an accident where a worker was seriously injured after having been caught in unguarded machinery.