Corrected: U.S. Department of Labor Cites East Texas Countertop Company for Safety and Health Violations

TYLER, TX – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Berry Marble Company Inc. – doing business as U.S. Granite – for exposing employees to machine hazards. The Tyler, Texas, natural stone countertop manufacturer faces $318,687 in proposed penalties.

OSHA inspectors determined that the company failed to remove damaged lifting slings from service; train workers in lockout/tagout procedures; review the company's lockout/tagout procedures; complete a hazard assessment; and provide employees with adequate hand protection. OSHA cited the company for similar violations in May 2015.

"It is unacceptable for an employer to continue to expose employees to serious hazards by disregarding known safety requirements," said OSHA Dallas Area Office Director Basil Singh.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The citations can be viewed here.

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 help 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.

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Editor's Note: A description of the citations has been modified in this news release.