US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $51,800 in fines for Power Coatings for failing to protect workers from toxic chemical hazards

JANESEVILLE, Wis. — Power Coatings LLC, a company that specializes in powder coating metal parts, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 14 serious safety violations, including failing to protect workers from toxic substances, which can cause cancer, lung impairment and other diseases. OSHA has proposed penalties of $51,800 following a December 2013 complaint inspection of Power Coatings' Janesville facility.

"Workers were exposed daily to dangerous hazards, many of which could be prevented with the use of proper personal protective equipment and respiratory protection," said Kim Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison. "The company must identify and correct workplace hazards and provide workers with required safety training."

The serious safety violations cited included failing to conduct a personal protective equipment hazard assessment and to provide and require the use of personal protective equipment for skin and eye hazards from methyl ethyl ketone vapors and powder coating dust. Power Coatings did not have a written respiratory protection or hazard communication program and failed to train workers on the programs and hazards found in the workplace. The company failed to conduct air monitoring for methyl ethyl ketone, dust and other respiratory hazards.

An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.

Power Coatings 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 Madison office at 608-441-5388.

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.