US DOL's OSHA Cites Texas Cabinetry Company For Multiple Safety And Health Violations

St Hedwig, TX (WorkersCompensation.com) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Zamco Inc., doing
business as Concepts in Cabinetry, with 14 safety and health violations – including one repeat – for electrical, respiratory and other hazards at the company's facility on Lupon Road in St. Hedwig. OSHA's San Antonio Area Office began an inspection on Feb. 9 as part of the agency's Site-Specific Targeting Program for industries with high injury and illness rates. Proposed penalties total $45,000.

The serious violations include failing to ensure the safety of electrical wiring in the spray booth area; provide the required machine guarding around equipment such as an automated clamp carrier; implement an effective respiratory protection program; provide lockout/tagout procedures for machines' energy sources
and train workers on the procedures; and ensure that work areas are free from saw dust accumulations, which are combustible. 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 repeat violation is failing to ensure that the disconnect panel boxes are accessible. 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. A similar
violation was cited in 2010.

"This is not the first time that this employer has jeopardized the safety of its workers by exposing them to preventable hazards," said Jeff Funke, OSHA's
area director in San Antonio. "It is the employer's responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace."

The company, which employs about 23 workers, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's
San Antonio area director or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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