An Ohio manufacturer is facing $183,748 in OSHA penalties after investigators discovered numerous health and safety violations.
Ohio Gratings Inc. exposed workers to respiratory, chemical and other hazards.
"OSHA standards require employers to regularly conduct hazard analyses of the worksite, train workers to recognize hazards, and provide appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize exposure to materials that can cause long-term health issues," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's Cleveland, Ohio area director.
The agency issued an inspection in December 2018 following a formal complaint alleging poor ventilation and lack of training on chemicals used at the facility.
Investigators found that Ohio Gratings operated a dip tank containing flammable liquid without using proper drainage, overflow piping, adequate ventilation and fire protection. In addition, the employers did not ensure that workers used personal protective equipment,
Other violations included inadequate machine guarding, recordkeeping deficiencies, struck-by hazards, and exposure to flammable liquids.
OSHA cited the company for 17 serious and five other-than-serious safety and health violations. The agency referenced its compliance assistance resources on controlling exposure to chemical hazards and toxic substances.
Ohio Gratings has contested the citations and penalties, and the case will now go before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.