U.S. Department of Labor Cites Masonry Manufacturer For Exposing Employees to Silica and Other Hazards

RIVIERA BEACH, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Oldcastle APG South Inc. – based in Greensboro, North Carolina, and operating as Coastal, for exposing employees to amputation, struck-by and silica hazards at the company's facility in Riviera Beach, Florida. Oldcastle APG South Inc. faces $132,037 in penalties.

OSHA cited the manufacturer/distributor of masonry and hardscape products for exposing employees to amputation, struck-by, and fall hazards, and to silica levels above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) without implementing engineering or work practice controls. OSHA also cited the company for failing to perform follow-up air monitoring, provide employees who wore air respirators with medical evaluations, to include employees exposed above the silica PEL in a medical surveillance program, and to provide audiograms. OSHA conducted the inspection as part of the agency's National Emphasis Program on Amputations and Regional Emphasis Program for Powered Industrial Trucks.

"Employers must implement effective safety and health programs to identify the hazards that exist in their workplaces, and take corrective actions to prevent worker exposures to serious or life-threatening injuries and illnesses," said OSHA Area Director Condell Eastmond, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.

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 https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.