Waukesha fabricator cited by OSHA for safety, health violations

WAUKESHA -- Rubber parts fabricator Acme Machell Co. is cited by OSHA for 22 – including six repeat – violations, following safety and health inspections conducted at the company’s Waukesha facility.

OSHA opened inspections in July after receiving complaints alleging burn hazards and poor housekeeping throughout the plant. Proposed fines total $77,600.

Five repeat health violations are for failing to implement a hazard communication plan, train first-aid responders on an exposure control plan to protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens and diseases, offer hepatitis B vaccines to designated first-aid responders, review or update the exposure control plan and maintain a list of chemicals being used in the facility along with relevant material data safety sheets.
One repeat safety violation is for failing to properly guard the rear area of a press. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Acme Machell Co. was cited for all of these violations in 2007.
Two serious health violations are for failing to properly maintain fire extinguishers and for eight instances of failing to maintain adequate air pressure in air nozzles used for cleaning.

Six serious safety violations involve electrical deficiencies, failing to evaluate and audit energy control procedures annually, failing to adequately train workers on hazardous energy control procedures and a lack of personal protective equipment.

Eight other-than-serious health and safety violations are for failing to use personal protective equipment to prevent burns, inspect fire extinguishers, unblock access to electrical panels, provide appropriate housekeeping and supply workers with information on the use of respirators.

Acme Machell Co. had been inspected by OSHA four times prior to these most recent inspections.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its most recent 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.