US Labor Department's OSHA cites Ames True Temper for exposing workers to electrical, safety hazards at Carlisle, Pa., warehouse
Jan. 10, 2011
Contact: Leni Fortson Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102 215-861-5101
E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Ames True Temper for exposing
workers to electrical, safety hazards at Carlisle, Pa., warehouse
CARLISLE, Pa. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Ames True Temper for exposing workers to electrical and other hazards at its Carlisle storage warehouse. Proposed penalties total $52,800.
"A lack of proper protections from electrical and other workplace hazards exposes workers to serious injuries," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA's Harrisburg Area Office. "It is vital that the company abate all of the identified hazards to ensure that employees have a safe and healthful work environment."
OSHA initiated an inspection on Jan. 24 as part of its site-specific targeting program for employers with high injury and illness rates. As a result of the inspection, three repeat citations with a penalty of $49,500 were issued for failing to develop specific energy control procedures, provide proper guarding for bench grinders, and follow listing and labeling requirements for electrical quad outlet boxes with knockouts. A repeat citation is issued when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.
One serious citation with a penalty of $3,300 was issued for the company's failure to provide a lower guard for employees operating a radial arm saw. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
Camp Hill-based Ames True Temper is a U.S. and international provider of non-powered landscaping products. It employs 170 workers at the Carlisle warehouse.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Harrisburg office; telephone 717-782-3902. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.