OSHA Cites A Texas Manufacturing Facility For Safety Hazards; proposed fines total $58,000

Arlington, TX (WorkersCompensation.com) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Progressive Inc. in Arlington with 15 safety violations for exposing workers to machine guarding and electrical hazards. OSHA's Fort Worth Area Office opened an inspection in February under the agency's Site-Specific Targeting Program, which directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces where the highest rates of injuries and illnesses occur. Proposed penalties total $58,000.

Thirteen serious violations involve failing to mark emergency exits; keep fire extinguishers mounted with unobstructed access; store compressed gas cylinders properly; guard belts and pulleys on machinery; properly adjust tongue and rest guards on grinders; and use permanent wiring instead of extension cords. A serious violation occurs 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.

Two other-than-serious violations include failing to provide a load rating on an overhead storage location and to close unused openings on electrical boxes. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

"Failing to properly guard machinery can cause serious injury and possible death," said Jack Rector, OSHA's area director in Fort Worth. "OSHA's safety standards must be followed to prevent injuries, accidents and fatalities."

Progressive Inc. is a division of Heroux-Devtek, which is headquartered in Longueuil, Québec, Canada. Progressive employs about 150 workers who develop, manufacture and repair commercial and military aerospace products. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Fort Worth area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Fort Worth office at 817-581-7303.

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.