US Labor Department's OSHA cites Guam golf club for workplace hazards

Employer faces nearly $33,000 in proposed fines

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Guam International Country Club for 17 alleged workplace safety violations found during an inspection at the club's maintenance shop in Dededo, Guam. Proposed fines total $32,900.

"Employees must be protected against safety hazards in the workplace – not just because it is the right thing to do but because it is the law," said Ken Nishiyama Atha, OSHA's regional administrator in San Francisco. "Workplace safety is critical. OSHA will remain focused on being proactive, especially when workers' safety and health are at stake."

Fifteen serious safety violations found include failing to provide training for employees working with hazardous materials, provide appropriate personal protective equipment for eyes and face, provide required forklift training and ensure that the forklift had a functioning seatbelt, and multiple electrical hazards, including exposing workers to live electrical parts. 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.

Two other-than-serious safety violations were cited for failing to prepare and maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses, including OSHA's Form 300 for work-related injuries and illnesses as well as the agency's Form 301, or its equivalent, for reporting incidents of injuries and illnesses. 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.

The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director or contest the findings to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report 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 Honolulu Area Office in Hawaii at 808-541-2680.

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.