OSHA Cites Metal Forger After Follow-Up Inspection

March 1, 2008
A follow-up inspection prompted OSHA to propose $140,000 in fines against Chicago metal forger A. Finkl & Sons for failing to correct the workplace safety

A follow-up inspection prompted OSHA to propose $140,000 in fines against Chicago metal forger A. Finkl & Sons for failing to correct the workplace safety hazards initially found in 2006.

The follow-up inspection found that the company still has not provided adequate guardrails over tanks and pits and has failed to keep industrial trucks in clean and safe operating condition. These two were categorized as willful citations and carry a total of $140,000 in penalties.

“It's disappointing when we find on re-inspection that problems which may lead to death or serious injury still exist,” said Diane Turek, OSHA's area director in Des Plaines, Ill. “There is no excuse for this kind of attitude toward the safety of employees.”

OSHA inspected the Finkl forging plant 19 times since 1972, with 12 of those inspections resulting in citations for safety violations. The company has had two fatalities during that time. Additionally, an employee was injured in 2003 after jumping from the cab of a powered industrial truck that caught fire. An accumulation of hydraulic oil ignited while the worker was transporting a heated metal ingot.

A call to A. Finkl & Sons for comment was not returned.

Sponsored Recommendations

Committing to Safety: Why Leadership’s Role in Safety Excellence is Key

Jan. 13, 2025
Leadership has the power to transform an organization through their behavior and vision, which can result in the creation of an organizational culturethat supports safety excellence...

Speak Up! Cementing "See Something, Say Something" to Drive Safety

Jan. 13, 2025
Many organizations promote "see something, say something" to encourage their people to intervene and make work safe. But most don't go far enough to equip teams with the skills...

The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease

Jan. 13, 2025
DEKRA announces its latest white paper, “The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease,” as a definitive look into why being vulnerable to incidents strengthens our commitment...

Mitigating Risks: Strategies for Safeguarding Workers in Hazardous Workplaces

Jan. 13, 2025
Join our expert team in taking on the challenge to make safety part of your organization’s DNA as work, the workforce, and workplaces evolve.

Voice your opinion!

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