Printing Plant Cited for 24 Alleged Safety and Health Violations

Plant issued $62,350 in proposed penalties. OSHA alleges that its inspectors found instances of improper transfer and storage of flammable liquids, lack of specific lockout/tagout procedures and training to prevent the unintentional startup of machinery during maintenance and a lack of hearing protection. Other alleged hazards include inadequate respirator training, fit-testing, medical evaluation, inspection and maintenance, unguarded grinders, blocked access to electrical boxes, electrical equipment not safely maintained in hazardous locations and an accumulation of combustible dust in a work area. Further, OSHA says the plant lacked a written program and training for employees required to enter confined spaces, failed to inform workers of the presence of asbestos-containing insulation on steam pipes and failed to provide the Hepatitis B vaccine and training to workers whose duties involved exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

[Worldcolor Buffalo, Depew, NY, Feb. 24, 2010].