Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
Our Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorneys have learned that a New England seafood processor has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 17 alleged safety violations. Inspectors from OSHA found that the company did not adequately inspect and test the ammonia piping system. Previously identified issues had also not been fixed.
These issues led to the issuing of two willful citations with $140,000 in proposed fines. According to an OSHA area director, the company’s failure to inspect and test the ammonia piping system exposes workers to potential ammonia leaks or similarly hazardous incidents.
In addition to the willful citations, OSHA also discovered that the plant failed to label and identify piping systems, provide workers with hand protection, and perform other safety-related tasks. As a result, the company received nine serious citations with a total of $44,500 in fines.
The company also received one repeat citation for not properly calibrating equipment that inspects and tests compressors and cryolators. That citation carried a proposed fine of $25,000. OSHA discovered an identical hazard at the company’s Danvers, Massachusetts plant last year. An incomplete or inadequate illness and injury log led to five other-than-serious citations with $5,000 in fines for a total of $214,500 in proposed fines.
Source: Seafood processor fined USD 214,500 for violations, FIS.com, June 3, 2010
Contact a Massachusetts workplace injury attorney if you have been injured on the job.
