OSHA Cites Plant For 20 Safety Violations

Viola, WI (WorkersCompensation.com) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Duraframe Dipnet with 20 safety violations - including three repeat - at the net manufacturer's Viola facility. Proposed penalties total $71,400 following OSHA's inspection, which was initiated Nov. 28 based on a complaint.

The repeat violations include allowing the accumulation of combustible material in the paint spray area, lacking a tongue guard on the grinding wheel and not guarding a belt on a lathe. A repeat violation exists 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. Similar violations were cited in 2009.

"Employers such as Duraframe Dipnet that are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to workers' safety and health," said Kim Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."

Sixteen serious violations involve failing to maintain sanitary conditions in walkways, guard machinery and provide hazard communication training. The violations also include various electrical and respiratory hazards, including the lack of a written respiratory protection program. 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.

One other-than-serious safety violation is failing to mark exits. 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.

The Viola-based company has been inspected by OSHA three other times, all in 2009, resulting in citations for five violations.

Duraframe Dipnet has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director 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 Madison Area Office at 608-441-5388.

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.

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