OSHA fines Seitz Technical Products more than $42K for exposing workers to chemical hazards at Oxford, Pa., facility

Employer name: Seitz Technical Products Inc.

Inspection site: 160 Limestone Road, Oxford, Pa.

Date inspection initiated and what prompted inspection: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiated its inspection on Sept. 13, 2014, in response to a complaint.

Investigation findings: OSHA investigators found that workers were exposed to chemical hazards while assembling surgical carts used at medical facilities. Citations were issued for three repeat and five serious violations, including the company's failure to:

• Provide an eyewash station for employees using hazardous chemicals;
• Provide a hazardous communication program for employees;
• Properly label hazardous chemicals;
• Produce chemical safety data sheets; and
• Provide hazardous chemical training to employees.

"Seitz employees were regularly using chemicals that can burn the skin and the eyes, and they weren't given protective equipment or trained about the potential hazards," said Nicholas DeJesse, director of OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office. "For employees who work with hazardous chemicals, chemical containers labels, safety data sheets, and training can mean the difference between a safe environment and serious harm."

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.

Proposed Penalties: $42,350

View the citations at: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/SeitzTechnology_1000415_0206_2015.pdf