US Department of Labors OSHA cites Logan Machine Co. for 16 violations after investigating complaint of hazards at Akron, Ohio, machine shop

AKRON, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Logan Machine Co. with 16 safety and health violations following a March inspection that was initiated upon receiving a complaint that alleged hazards. Proposed penalties total $66,600.

"Employers have a responsibility to ensure that they are protecting workers against known hazards in their plants," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "OSHA is committed to investigating reports of workplace hazards and protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."

Eight serious safety violations involve failing to evaluate each powered industrial truck operator's performance at least once every three years, regularly inspect powered industrial vehicles, establish proper lockout/tagout procedures for the energy sources of equipment, use undamaged web slings, properly guard machines and reduce compressed air used for cleaning to 30 pounds per square inch.

Seven serious health violations involve failing to properly store flammable and combustible materials, use undamaged welding helmets, provide fire extinguishers, and use explosion-proof electrical fixtures in the paint room. 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.

One other-than-serious violation is failing to train workers on using and cleaning respirators. 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.

This inspection was OSHA's first of the Akron company, which has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed 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.

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 Cleveland Area Office at 216-615-4266.

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.