The proposed penalties include $99,000 for two “willful” violations - failing to provide workers with appropriate hand protection and failing to protect them from arc welding flash burns. OSHA defines willful violation as plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employees’ safety and health.
The company was cited for 12 serious safety violations and proposed penalties of $36,900 for failing to train or evaluate all workers operating industrial trucks, failing to guard against confined sparks during welding operations, failing to provide lockout/tagout procedures for energy sources, failing to provide proper machine guarding on various machines and various electrical deficiencies.
A serious citation is issued 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 facility was cited with one other-than-serious violation and no proposed penalty. It concerns electrical outlets missing covers and exposing employees to shocks. An other-than-serious violation has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
“There is no reason to leave employees unprotected,” said Andre Richards, director of OSHA’s Atlanta-West Office. “Management is aware of the deficiencies in their safety and health program and needs to take action.”
OSHA spokesman Mike D’Aquino said some employees received lacerations to their hands because of the safety deficiencies, which were found after OSHA received a complaint.
Sewon did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment Wednesday.
The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for safe and healthful workplaces.
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