Georgia automotive parts producer fails to protect employees from workplace safety hazards

Employer name: PAI Industries Inc.

Inspection site: 950 Northbrook Parkway Suwanee, Georgia 30024

Date investigation initiated: OSHA initiated the investigation on Oct. 1, 2014 as part of its Regional Emphasis Program for Safety Hazards in the Auto Parts Industry.

Investigation findings: OSHA issued 14 serious citations to the employer for not ensuring machinery could not accidentally start up during maintenance and servicing; not requiring eye protection for workers changing propane tanks on forklifts; exposing workers to trip and fall hazards, and not providing a workplace free from recognized hazards. Five other violations include the employer failing to implement a noise monitoring program and not ensuring fire extinguishers were properly mounted and labeled. 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.

Quote: "The results from this on-site enforcement inspection illustrate the need for OSHA's focus on the automotive parts industry," said William Fulcher director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "Employers can't only rely on OSHA to identify hazards; they must be proactive in protecting the health and safety of their workers."

Proposed Penalties: $55,800

A copy of the citations is attached.

• View the citations

PAI 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 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 Atlanta-East Area Office at 770-493-6644.