OSHA Cites Medley, Fla., Manufacturer for 12 Safety Violations

July 15, 2008
Safety is out of tune with the song OSHA is singing at a manufacturing facility in Medley, Fla.

The agency is proposing $64,250 in penalties following an inspection of Konie Cups International’s Medley, Fla., manufacturing plant, which revealed 12 alleged safety violations.

OSHA has proposed one willful violation with a $49,000 penalty. The willful violation stems from the fact that despite an earlier warning given to the company by local fire officials, OSHA discovered during its inspection that an exit door was locked and the key not easily accessible to all employees in case of an emergency. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

The company was issued seven serious safety violations with penalties totaling $12,750. Employee safety was at risk because liquid propane tanks were stored near an exit route and too many tanks of the explosive gas were stored inside the building. Other problems included electrical hazards, slip and fall hazards, lack of eye protection, lack of a hearing conservation program, exposing employees to amputation hazards and lack of an established lockout/tagout program to prevent machines’ unintended startup.

OSHA also has cited Konie Cups International for four other-than-serious violations with proposed penalties of $2,500.

“If a fire occurred in this plant, employees could die because this employer chose to ignore basic safety precautions,” said Darlene Fossum, OSHA’s area director in Fort Lauderdale.

The company has 15 business days to contest the citations and proposed penalties 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!