North Attleboro Metal Plant Receives $46,500 in Proposed OSHA Fines

A North Attleboro, Massachusetts metals refining company has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 10 alleged serious violations of safety standards. A November 7, 2008 gas lack at the plant prompted an inspection by OSHA’s Boston South Area Office in Braintree. That inspection uncovered several alleged deficiencies in the plant’s Process Safety Management (PSM) program.

According to the citations, the company had not compiled information on the chemicals, equipment, and technology used in the purifying process, and it had not developed and implemented written procedures outlining the process or posted a sign to indicate a confined space, among other safety issues.

OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about the employer knew or should have known. The North Attleboro company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA Area Director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

OSHA proposes more than $46,000 in fines against North Attleboro, Mass., metals plant following chlorine gas leak, HR.CCH.com, June 10, 2009
Contact a Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney if you have been injured on the job.

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