A New Jersey cleaning products manufacturer faces more than $80,000 in penalties after an investigation found workers were exposed to chemical and other safety hazards.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Santec Inc., was issued citation for 11 serious and one other-than-serious violation. OSHA began its investigation on May 5 after the Avenel area office was notified about possible chemical hazards related to improper labeling of chemicals manufactured by Santec Inc.
During the investigation, the agency found the company: failed to properly label hazardous chemicals; lacked forklift training and maintenance; exposed employees to electrical hazards; lacked guardrails on an open-sided platform six feet above ground level; failed to implement a lock out/tag out system to prevent inadvertent machine start-up and provide employee training; didn’t develop and implement a respiratory protection program, including medical evaluation and employee training for employees required to use respirators; and failed to address exposure to confined space.
"Santec is leaving its employees vulnerable to hazards that can cause serious injury, health issues and possible death," said director of OSHA's Avenel Area Office Patricia Jones. "Employers are legally responsible for providing workers with a safe and healthful workplace. Santec must address each of the identified violations; anything less is unacceptable."
OSHA has proposed $83,375 in penalties. The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.