Clifton scrap recycler faces $121K in fines after OSHA finds 16 safety, health violations in car-crushing operation

Employer name: Park Stein Inc., 613-614 Route 46 East, Clifton, New Jersey

Citations issued: On June 3, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations for one willful violation, eight repeat, five serious and two other-than-serious violations.

Investigation findings: OSHA opened in inspection on Dec. 4, 2015, when the City of Clifton reported potential hazards at the facility. Inspectors issued a willful violation after they found the company failed to maintain a front-end loader properly, a condition that exposed employees to struck-by hazards. The agency also cited the commercial scrap and metal recycler for failing to do the following:

• Have an adequate respiratory program, including a written program, respirator assessment, medical evaluation and training.
• Properly store compressed gas cylinders.
• Have a proper hearing conservation program.

Proposed penalties: $121,660

Quote: Park Stein’s regular use of a front-end loader that was so poorly maintained as to create a hazard to its employees reflects a willful lack of regard for the safety of employees at the facility,” said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA’s Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. “Inspectors documented many repeated violations at Park Stein that meet the requirements for OSHA’s Severe Violator’s Enforcement Program. The agency created the program for recalcitrant employers who demonstrate indifference to the health and safety of their employees through willful, repeated, or failure to-abate violations of the OSH Act.”

View the citations: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/legacy-files/documents/newsroom/releases/ParkStein.pdf.

Background: OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program concentrates resources on inspecting employers that have demonstrated indifference to their OSH Act obligations. Enforcement actions for severe violator cases include mandatory follow-up inspections, increased company/corporate awareness of OSHA enforcement, corporate-wide agreements, where appropriate, enhanced settlement provisions and federal court enforcement.