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Okamoto Sandusky Manufacturing LLC has received a proposed fine of $58,500 from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The fine is a penalty for 15 health and safety violations discovered after a recent inspection of the Sandusky, Ohio vinyl automotive products plant by OSHA, which was prompted by a complaint.
Of the 15 violations cited, 14 were serious violations, including:
Not developing an emergency response plan and training
Use of unapproved electrical equipment in areas where flammable vapors may be present
Failing to conduct periodic inspections or training for the lockout/tagout program
Inadequate labeling of hazardous chemical containers
Lack of machine guarding on rollers and conveyors
“Failing to have adequate machine guarding and train workers in adequate lockout/tagout procedures to control the unexpected activation of machinery can result in severe injuries,” said Kim Nelson, OSHA’s area director in Toledo. “As an employer, Okamoto Sandusky Manufacturing has the responsibility to maintain a safe and healthful workplace for all its workers and to train them on hazards that exist in the plant.”
A company has an obligation to prepare its employees to safely navigate the workplace. If a business does not properly inform and train its workers to about how to handle common workplace hazards, it is unnecessarily endangering their lives or, at the very least, well-being.
There is more information available on our site about workplace rights violations—including workers’ compensation disputes and on the job injuries due to employer negligence. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact our firm today.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys