Alleged violations of safety standards include five instances of repeat violations involving the failure of the company to train workers in lockout/tagout procedures that prevent machines from being accidentally energized when workers are fixing or maintaining them. OSHA issued a willful violation after finding instances of lockout/tagout devices not affixed to machinery, and a serious citation for electrical hazards.
"The $107,000 fine is the maximum allowed under the law," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.
OSHA's latest inspection of the soap product manufacturer was conducted as follow-up to a December 2000 inspection. The inspection in 2000 revealed lockout/tagout training deficiencies that may have contributed to at least five serious injuries that year.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Dial employs about 3,500 workers, 360 of them at the Montgomery facility.
The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
