OSHA cites metal container manufacturer

The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations and proposed $114,300 in penalties to Durable Inc., a Wheeling Ill.-based metal container manufacturer, for workplace safety violations that pose a threat to workers.

The penalty and citations are based on an inspection initiated in April 2004, following a complaint about hazards at the plant. The inspection revealed that workers faced the possibility of amputations and other serious injuries as a result of safety regulation violations.

Specifically, OSHA issued citations for 16 alleged serious violations and one alleged willful violation of federal workplace safety and health regulations. Serious violations included allegations of hazards associated with machine guarding and accidental operation, as well as the lack of specific training. The alleged willful violation charged the company with failing to provide training so that employees fully understood the function and purpose of the energy control program.

The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.