Foundry Cited for Exposing Workers to Safety, Health Hazards

A New York foundry cited for dozens of workplace health and safety violations faces more than $400,000 in OSHA penalties.

OSHA inspectors cited the Frazer & Jones Company Inc., of Solvay, N.Y., with 33 violations, resulting in $460,316 in penalties.

The agency found multiple hazards at the foundry just outside Syracuse, including exposing employees to crystalline silica, iron oxide, and combustible dust.

Inspectors also found falls, struck-by and caught-between hazards, unsafe work floors and walking surfaces, inadequate respiratory protection, deficient safeguards for entering confined spaces, inaccessible and unavailable fire extinguishers, and an impeded exit route.

OSHA said the company also lacked an effective program for removing pests and did not prevent the build-up of bird feces on equipment.

The company employs about 180 people in its 210,000 square feet facility.

“These hazards expose workers to injuries and long-term health effects,” said Jeffrey Prebish, OSHA’s Syracuse area director.

“Employers must recognize the safety and health risks inherent to their work operations and environment, and take necessary precautions to protect employees who perform those operations.”

OSHA issued its findings in late November.

The foundry has 15 days from when it received the citation to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

For more information, contact CBIA’s Phillip Montgomery (860.244.1982).