Furniture Manufacturer Builds a List of Workplace Safety Violations

April 12, 2004
Belcino Inc., a Chicago furniture manufacturer, is facing $84,750 in fines following an OSHA inspection.

OSHA opened its investigation at the company following receipt of a formal complaint. OSHA alleges the company committed serious workplace safety violations, including machine guarding issues, electrical hazards and potential fall problems. Serious workplace health violations were alleged for noise, control of wood dust and potential explosion hazards.

OSHA issued alleged willful violations for over-exposures to wood dust and deficiencies in the company's lockout/tagout program to ensure that machinery does not start up accidentally when workers are performing repairs or maintenance.

"Belcino Inc. has had 11 previous OSHA inspections since 1987," said OSHA Area Director Gary Anderson, Calumet City, Ill.. "Continuing problems with machinery lockout hazards and with over-exposure to wood dust must be addressed at this facility to ensure the safety of the roughly 40 men and women working there."

The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!