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SAFETY / OSHA - 07/06/09

OSHA cites Sulzer Metco Coating with 23 violations and fines after a worker fatality

OSHA has cited Sulzer Metco Coating with 23 alleged serious safety and health violations, proposed penalties totaling $56,250, following the death of a worker. OSHA began its investigation on Feb. 25, 2009, following the death of a worker who was pulled into a large piece of lathe machinery that did not have proper machine guarding.

The serious violations included blocked or locked exit routes; lack of proper fire protection equipment and training; inadequate fork truck training; improper storage of compressed gas cylinders; lack of a hazard communication program; exposure to noise at levels greater than the permissible exposure limit (PEL); inadequate means to ensure that supplied air for respirators was of breathing quality; and hexavalent chromium issues, including surface contamination, lack of protective gear for skin exposure and improper cleaning techniques for areas where hexavalent chromium was present.

"Sulzer Metco Coating needs to take immediate action to eliminate each identified violation to prevent another tragic fatality," said Jeff Funke, Director of OSHA's Charleston Area Office.

OSHA issues a serious citation when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

The company, which employs 285 workers nationwide, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA Area Director in Charleston, W.Va., or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Charleston Area Office; telephone: 304-347-5937.

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