US Department of Labor's OSHA finds 30 serious safety and health hazards at furniture manufacturer

WOODRIDGE, N.J. — Academia Furniture Industries LLC, which makes furniture for schools, faces $58,100 in proposed penalties for 30 serious safety and health violations cited after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA's investigation was initiated in February as part of the agency's Local Emphasis Program — Health High Hazard — Top 50, which allows for inspections in a broad range of industries where previous OSHA inspections have identified health hazards.

"The multitude of safety and health hazards found at Academia Furniture Industries' facility is indicative of an ineffective injury and illness prevention program," said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. "By not complying with basic OSHA standards, this company is jeopardizing the safety and well-being of its workers each day."

The serious violations were cited for hazards, such as combustible dust, exposed electrical dangers and blocked fire exits. The company failed to have a hearing conservation program in place, provide guards for dangerous machines and have a hazard communication plan. A serious violation is one in which 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 additional violations were cited due to the lack of a respirator protection program.

Academia Furniture Industries has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Hasbrouck Heights, 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 Hasbrouck Heights office at 201-288-1700.

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.