US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $63,000 in penalties for exposing worker to struck-by hazards, other violations at Big 3 Precision Products

CENTRALIA, Ill. — Big 3 Precision Products Inc., which manufactures industrial machine products, has been cited for five safety violations by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The complaint investigation found a willful violation of forklift standards for allowing employees to stand or pass under the elevated portion of forklifts at the Centralia facility. Proposed penalties total $63,000.

"Employers that allow workers to stand or pass under elevated forklifts expose them to dangerous struck-by hazards. Injuries involving machinery and equipment often result in death or permanent disability," said Aaron Priddy, OSHA's area director in Fairview Heights.

A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirement, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Four serious violations involved lack of machine guarding on portable grinders, which exposed workers to amputation and laceration hazards. The other three violations involved electrical extension cords, including failing to inspect cords, use of damaged cords and, where necessary, not using cords with grounding conductors. An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.

Big 3 Precision Products was issued two serious OSHA violations in April 2013 for failing to follow forklift safety standards. The company has headquarters in Centralia, where it employs about 150 people. The company produces racking and material handling products for the automotive industry and operates facilities in Holliston, Mass.; St. Joseph, Mo.; and Millville, N.J.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of 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.

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 Fairview Heights office at 618-632-8612.

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.