OSHA cited Hunts Point Recycling Corp., Bronx, N.Y., and proposed $94,880 against the firm for one alleged willful violation, 11 alleged repeat violations, nine alleged serious violations and one alleged other-than-serious violation of OSHA standards.
According to OSHA area director Phillip Peist, the action results from an investigation conducted from July 25, 2000 through Jan. 18, 2001 following a complaint about a lack of personal protective equipment at the company, which operates a garbage transfer station and recycling center.
OSHA alleges that the company willfully violated the agency''s protective equipment standard by failing to ensure that employees use appropriate eye protection.
Some of the other violations the company was also cited for are as follows:
- failing to prevent employees from walking/working on moving conveyor belts;
- failing to have a hearing conservation program and ensuring that employees wear hearing protection;
- failing to ensure that employees were hand protection;
- failing to conduct noise monitoring;
- failing to provide a fixed stair for safe access onto work platform;
- failing to replace an electric cable with exposed bare conductors; and
- failing to provide an adjustable tongue guard for an abrasive wheel.
OSHA also cited Hunts Point Recycling for failing to re-train workers on lift truck safety when a new model of fork-lift vehicle was put into use, an alleged other-than-serious violation.
The company has until Feb. 15 to contest the citations.
by Virginia Sutcliffe