December 30, 2011
Category:
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Download PDF
Author:
Walter G. Wright
The United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") had cited Resource Management Companies at its Earth City recycling facility for 37 safety and health violations. An OSHA news release states that an inspection was opened after a worker died from injuries sustained on June 12 when he entered a baling machine to clear a jam and it became energized.
The news release states that 22 serious safety violations have been cited, including failing to lock out and tag out energy sources of equipment and install adequate machine guarding. Further, the news release states:
They also involve hazards related to fall protection, exits, flammable liquids, fire extinguishers, powered industrial trucks, and welding and electric equipment. Additionally, eight serious health violations involve inadequate housekeeping, excessive noise, improper personal protective equipment, permit required space program, and blood borne pathogens hazards. 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.
One repeat safety violation was cited related to defective power industrial trucks that were not taken out of service.
The company has fifteen days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
A copy of the news release and the citations can be downloaded below.
The Between the Lines blog is made available by Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. and the law firm publisher. The blog site is for educational purposes only, as well as to give general information and a general understanding of the law. This blog is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Use of this blog site does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Mitchell Williams or the blog site publisher. The Between the Lines blog site should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.