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Company Fined $140,000 for lockout/tagout violations
OSHA Press Release:
Cudahy, Wis. Safety and Health Violations Cost Cincinnati Sanitation Company $140,000 in OSHA Fines
CUDAHY, Wis. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $140,000 in fines against DCS Sanitation Management Inc., Cincinnati, for alleged willful violations of workplace safety and health standards at a worksite in Cudahy, Wis.
The investigation, opened in April 2006, resulted in citations issued to DCS alleging two willful violations of federal workplace safety regulations, the first alleging violations that the company failed to provide adequate training to workers on lockout/tagout procedures when employees clean and sanitize equipment and machinery in the facility. The second willful citation alleges that the company failed to isolate all hazardous energy sources and failed to place a lockout or tagout device on machinery during sanitation/cleaning procedures.
Violations are categorized as willful when there is either an intentional disregard or plain indifference to employee safety or OSHA regulations.
"Simply put, companies save lives and avoid horrific injuries by locking out energy sources to machinery under service or repair, and ensuring that all employees understand the procedures involved to keep themselves safe," said George Yoksas, OSHA area director in Milwaukee.
The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
Labels: Lock Out / Tag Out
posted by Steve Hudgik - 9:55:00 PM - Permanent Link to This Article
