OSHA Cites SeaCast for Violations at Montana Foundry; Proposes $104,000 in Fines

Butte, MT (WorkersCompensation.com) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited SeaCast Inc. for 14 safety and health violations – including one willful – following an inspection at the company's foundry in Butte. The Washington state-based company faces proposed penalties of $104,000 following an inspection that was initiated after OSHA received complaints alleging safety and health violations.

Thirteen serious violations involve machine guarding deficiencies, elevated levels of respirable silica, not providing a fully implemented respiratory protection program for employees, unsecured storage racks and materials, blocked electrical equipment, inadequate housekeeping and failing to reduce the pressure of compressed air nozzles to less than 30 pounds per square inch. 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.

The willful violation is failing to administer a continuous, effective hearing conservation program. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

"Unfortunately, SeaCast is not taking the steps needed to provide employees with a safe and healthful workplace," said Jeff Funke, OSHA's area director in Billings. "Employers must ensure that adequate measures are in place to protect employees from serious harm such as hearing loss, amputation and respiratory issues."

The inspection was conducted under the agency's national emphasis programs on silica and primary metals. For more information, visit http://s.dol.gov/WF and http://s.dol.gov/WG.

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Seacast-Inc-dba-Seacast-Montana-LLC-280082-0905-12.pdf*.

SeaCast has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Billings Area Office or contest the findings 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 Billings office at 406-247-7494.

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.