Thinkstock
Ehstoday 8379 Chainlink
Ehstoday 8379 Chainlink
Ehstoday 8379 Chainlink
Ehstoday 8379 Chainlink
Ehstoday 8379 Chainlink

OSHA Cites South Jersey Manufacturer for Continued Safety Violations

Jan. 12, 2018
OSHA cited Aruvil International Inc. for multiple safety violations – including failure to abate citations for hazards discovered during a 2015 inspection – at its Pennsauken, N.J. facility.

OSHA is claiming that a New Jersey chain-link fencing manufacturer failed to correct similar violations issued two years ago and has proposed penalties of $199,996.

Agency inspectors identified multiple violations, including inadequate lighting; lack of machine guards; failing to keep the workroom clean and dry; failing to inspect and ensure proper use of fall protection; and failing to provide effective training on hazardous chemicals in a June 2017 inspection. A prior OSHA investigation in August 2015 found similar violations.

OSHA issued three failure to abate citations, including one for failure to establish an energy control program; failure to provide adequate machine guarding; and failure to record each work-related fatality, injury or illness case. In 2015, an employee was attempting to fix the fingers on the turret of a 12-foot weaver machine when two of his fingers were caught in the chain and sprocket and amputated. The hazard that caused the amputation in 2015 still hadn’t been abated in 2017. The proposed fine for the three failure to abate citations is $151,195.

The company contested the citations issued in 2015 before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. In that case, OSHA issued nine serious citations and six other citations with proposed penalties of $31,100. Following a decision from an administrative law judge, the penalties were reduced to $9,000.

“Aruvil International has failed to correct similar violations cited two years ago,” said OSHA Marlton Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick. “To protect its workers, the employer should abate these repeatedly identified hazards.”  

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with Dixon-Roderick or contest the findings 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!