US Department of Labor's OSHA follow-up inspection finds company failed to correct violations at previously cited Rasi Laboratories Inc. in Somerset, NJ

SOMERSET, N.J. — After a follow-up inspection that began in October 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Rasi Laboratories Inc. for failing to correct previously cited serious violations. The violations included failing to protect workers from dangerous levels of noise that can cause permanent hearing loss and failing to protect them from dangerous equipment. Following the inspection, the nutritional supplement manufacturer faces a $210,000 proposed penalty.

"This employer continues to endanger its workers by failing to correct hazardous conditions and failing to implement an injury and illness prevention program," said Robert Kulick, OSHA regional administrator in New York. "Such disregard for worker safety is unacceptable."

OSHA conducted the previous inspection at the company's Somerset facility in August 2012 after a complaint, and issued seven serious violations with fines totaling $23,100. The new violations involve the company's failure-to-abate hazards related to implementing a continual and effective hearing conservation program for workers exposed to noise above 85 decibels. It also failed to develop and implement a lockout/tagout program to protect workers from dangerous machinery during servicing or maintenance and train employees on proper procedures. A failure-to-abate citation is issued when an employer fails to fix or address previously cited hazardous conditions, practices or noncompliant equipment.

"OSHA's safety and health standards exist to prevent injuries and fatalities. It is the employer's responsibility to protect its workers by following these standards," said Patricia Jones, OSHA's area director in Avenel.

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/RasiLaboratoriesInc6048580425.pdf

Rasi Laboratories has 15 working days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Avenel, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call the Avenel Area Office at 732-750-3270 or OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers.

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.