Frick Service Inc. exposes workers to electrical, respiratory hazards

Employer name: Frick Service Inc., Portage, Indiana

Investigation site: 800 Sun Drive, Portage, Indiana

On Aug. 28, 2014, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Indianapolis Area Office initiated an inspection after receiving a formal complaint alleging unsafe working conditions. Frick Services Inc. provides industrial, agricultural and residential storage that is serviceable by water and rail to its clients.

Investigation findings: Ten serious violations were cited related to electrical safety. OSHA's investigation found employees were exposed to electrical hazards because equipment used in damp or wet conditions was not rated for such use, outdoor electrical equipment was not protected from accidental contact by vehicle traffic and flexible cords were used where permanent wiring should have been installed.

Additionally, 20 serious health violations were cited for:

• Lack of a respiratory protection program, including failure to conduct medical evaluations of employees required to use respirators and provide annual fit testing of respirators.
• Exposing workers to struck-by and other hazards because the company failed to train employees on the safe operation of powered industrial vehicles.
• Lack of a written hazard communication program to train employees on the possible exposure to hazardous chemicals and other substances in the work place.
• Failure to develop an emergency action plan.
• Not properly maintaining equipment.

An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm can result from a hazard an employer knew or show have known exist.

Proposed Penalties: $74,200

View citations: https://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/FrickServices_992691_992696_Feb_9_2015.pdf

Quote: "Finding such a broad range of safety and health violations is indicative of a corporate culture that does not emphasis safety and health in the workplace," said Vanessa Martin, OSHA's area director in Indianapolis." Electrical safety violations, lack of training and failing to maintain equipment pose serious risks to employee safety and health. Frick Services needs to reevaluate its safety and health program and implement common sense safety measures to prevent injury and illness in the workplace"

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 Indianapolis Area Office at 317-226-7299.