Multiple Serious Safety Violations Found at Connecticut Manufacturer

Company faces over $55,000 in fines

A Connecticut manufacturer of brake systems was cited by OSHA for 17 alleged serious violations of workplace safety. The citations related to hazardous conditions involving mechanical power presses. Violations included the lack of an arming button or other safeguards to prevent unintended operation of a press, the lack of an air pressure switch to ensure prompt stopping of press in the event of a power loss, unsecured barrier guards, and failure to routinely use die blocks when employees worked on dies in the presses.

Additional violations:

• Lack of training and personal protective equipment for employees performing maintenance on live equipment
• Not providing baseline audiograms and annual audio metric testing to employees exposed to excessive noise levels
• No written exposure control program for employees acting as first responders
• Unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals
• Improper storage of oxygen and acetylene cylinders
• Improper disposal of combustible materials
• Unguarded grinding equipment
• Failure to annually review the plant’s hazardous energy control program

The company has 15 days from receipt of the citation to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the Independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

OSHA defines a serious violation as one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

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