Alabama insulation manufacturer cited for repeat and serious violations after US Department of Labor OSHA inspection

PHENIX CITY, Ala. — Industrial Insulation Group LLC was cited for five serious safety and health violations following an inspection by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The violations include failing to protect workers from the dangers of caustic chemicals. The agency began the inspection after receiving a complaint in January 2014 concerning these hazardous working conditions. Proposed penalties total $41,800.

"It is troubling to know that while this employer initially corrected the hazard after OSHA issued a previous citation, it did not maintain the necessary safety standards. Although, this employer knew to provide eyewash and a shower for employees working with caustic chemicals, it continued to expose workers to the same hazard," said Joseph Roesler, OSHA's area director in Mobile.

One repeat violation, carrying a penalty of $27,500, was cited for failing to provide workers exposed to gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane with an eyewash station and a shower. Gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane can cause irritation and damage to the eyes, skin and kidneys. The repeat violation relates to a substantially similar violation cited at this facility in February 2013. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

Three serious violations were cited for not providing an eye and body wash shower for employees working with formaldehyde; failing to provide training on safety and health hazards for workers exposed to formaldehyde; and exposing workers to dangerous moving machine parts. OSHA assessed $14,300 in penalties for these violations. 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. Another violation found was allowing workers to use a respirator with facial hair.

Industrial Insulation Group manufactures a variety of industrial insulation, such as calcium silicate pipe and block insulation; perlite pipe and block; mineral wool pipe; board and blankets; high-temperature, fire-rated board; insulation adhesives; and cements. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety & 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 Mobile Area Office at 251-441-6131.

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.