OSHA Places Plastics Manufacturer in Severe Violator Program

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Berry Plastics Company for safety violations and placed it in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. OSHA officials inspected the facility in Monroeville, Ohio, in February following a complaint.

Citations included violations for failure to utilize hazardous energy control procedures and failure to conduct periodic inspections. Berry Plastics’ proposed fines total $86,000.

“Training workers on proper hazardous energy control procedures can prevent the unexpected energization of machinery and protect workers from injuries while they conduct servicing or maintenance,” says Kim Nelson, OSHA’s area director in Toledo. “OSHA is committed to protecting the safety and health of workers on the job.”

Berry Plastics will face unannounced follow-up inspections as part of the Severe Violator Enforcement Program. OSHA takes energy control very seriously.

Tip of the week: Periodic safety inspections should be part of the regular routine at your job or work site. You should notice them and be aware of the fact that they are happening. If you notice a lack of periodic inspections, voice your concerns with management or your union steward.

Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys