U.S. Department of Labor Again Cites Wisconsin Manufacturer For Exposing Employees to Multiple Hazards

APPLETON, WI ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited MODS International Inc. – a fabrication company that converts shipping containers into commercial and residential structures – for exposing employees to multiple hazards at their facility in Appleton, Wisconsin. The company faces penalties of $216,299 for seven repeat and seven serious safety and health violations.

OSHA inspectors determined that the company failed to conduct workplace hazard assessments; develop a hazardous communication program; train employees on hazardous materials, fall protection hazards, and how to properly operate forklifts; develop and implement respiratory protection and hearing conservation programs; and install adequate machine guarding. Additionally, the company stored oxygen and acetylene storage tanks improperly, failed to inspect fire extinguishers, and exposed employees to electrical hazards – violations for which the company has been previously cited.

“Employers are legally required to protect workers from known safety and health hazards in their facilities,” said OSHA Appleton Area Director Robert Bonack. “Compliance with OSHA regulations is not voluntary. This employer must implement required safety and health procedures, and train workers to identify and correct hazards that can cause injury or illness.”

OSHA’s website provides guidelines for developing safety and health programs, communicating hazardous information, and addressing forklift operations, machine hazards, hearing conservation, and respiratory protection.

The company has contested the citations. The notice of contest has been forwarded to the 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 workers 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.