OSHA has cited Bentley Laboratories LLC, which manufactures products for the beauty and pharmaceutical industries in Edison, N.J., and Joulé Clinical & Scientific Staffing Solutions, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh and provides staffing services to Bentley Laboratories, for allegedly exposing as many as 50 temporary workers to health and safety hazards.
“We see these kinds of violations frequently, especially in the case of temporary workers,” said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA’s Avenel Area Office. “Both the hiring company and the staffing agency are legally responsible for the safety and health of their workers.”
OSHA initiated an inspection on Oct. 16, 2014, in response to a complaint, and cited Bentley Laboratories for 14 alleged serious violations that carry $45,000 in potential fines. According to OSHA, Bentley failed to:
- Train workers on chemical hazards.
- Maintain a hearing conservation program for employees exposed to excessive noise.
- Develop procedures and training to control potentially hazardous energy.
- Properly guard machines to prevent amputations.
Joulé was cited for three serious violations – with proposed fines of $8,000 – for not having a hazardous communication program or training related to hazardous chemicals and energy-control procedures.
A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
The companies have 15 business days from receipt of citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with Jones, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
