OSHA Fines Cambridge-Lee for Safety and Health Hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined a Reading, PA company $112,000 for failure to protect workers from falls and other serious hazards.

Cambridge-Lee Industries, Inc. has been fined by the agency for one alleged repeat violation, with a penalty of $25,000 and 15 new serious violations, with a penalties totaling $87,000. The repeat violation was related to two separate fall hazards caused by the absence or inadequacy of guardrails. The new violations addresses hazards associated with machine guarding, powered industrial trucks, cranes, welding cables, lockout/tagout procedures and electricity. OSHA considers serious violations to be issues where the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard that could cause death or serious injury.

"Employers must take the necessary precautions to protect employees from workplace hazards," said Bob Fink, area director of the Harrisburg OSHA office. "This significant penalty demonstrates OSHA's commitment to assure compliance with job safety and health standards."

Cambridge-Lee has 15 working days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply with them, request and participate in an information conference with the OSHA area director, or contest them before the independent OSHA Review Commission.