Passaic distribution warehouse fined $112K for two dozen safety violations

Employer name: Oaxaca Mexican Products, 100 8^th St., Passaic, New Jersey

Citations issued: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations for one willful, 20 serious and three other-than-serious violations on May 3, 2016.

Inspection findings: OSHA opened an inspection on May 3, 2016, in response to a complaint alleging that there were unsafe conditions in the facility, including blocked fire exits. Inspectors issued a willful citation after finding an exit door and route obstructed by locking devices that require special knowledge and tools to open in case of emergency. OSHA cited the company previously for the same type of condition on the same door. 

Serious citations were issued for the following:

• Fall hazards.
• Inadequate and improper exit signage.
• Lack of machine guarding.
• Improper spliced electrical cable.
• Failure to have a written hazard assessment and a hazard communication program.
• Lack of eye-wash facilities where employees use corrosive chemicals.
• Lack of Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Lack of training regarding hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.

Quote: “The fact that Oaxaca has again put its employees’ lives at risk by not making sure a fire safety door was easily opened is completely unacceptable,” said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA’s Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. “In this day and age, providing employees with proper emergency exits is safety 101.”

Proposed penalties: $112,700

The citations can be viewed at: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/OaxacaMexicanProducts_1106331_1106942.pdf

The employer 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 amputations, eye loss, 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 Area 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.