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Co-Steel
OSHA Cites Columbus Company for Safety Violations
Sep. 13, 2006
Sep. 13, 2006 — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a $257,500 penalty against Columbus Steel Castings Co. for two repeat and 59 serious violations of federal workplace safety and health standards.
OSHA personnel opened an investigation at the steel casting and manufacturing facility in March based on injury and illness data reported by the business, and following receipt of complaints and reports of two accidents earlier this year. In the course of its investigation, OSHA found that Columbus Steel Castings had failed to correct hazards involving missing or inadequate standard guardrails and inadequate guarding of vertical belts that posed a risk to workers. In each case, OSHA issued repeat violations based on an October 2003 investigation that found the same or similar hazards, which had been cited and certified as corrected by the company.
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Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 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.
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The 59 serious citations issued by OSHA covered a variety of hazards including confined spaces; lockout/tagout issues; problems with overhead cranes and forklifts; electrical hazards; inadequate machine guarding; and the improper storage of oxygen and fuel gas cylinders.
"Strong enforcement is a key part of OSHA's effort to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director in Columbus. "It should be clear that we will not tolerate indifference to the welfare and safety of working men and women."
The Columbus facility has been inspected four times since 2003, including a fatality investigation that year. The company now has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.