OSHA has cited HP Pelzer Automotive Systems Inc. of Thomson, Georgia and staffing agency Sizemore Inc. for 22 safety and health violations following a July, 2013 initiated in response to a complaint alleging hazards at the automotive manufacturing facility. Proposed penalties total $207,100.
HP Pelzer, a supplier of automotive parts for major car manufacturers, employs approximately 10,000 workers across nine facilities in the U.S. and Mexico. The Thomson facility, which produces parts, such as outer dashes and hood liners, employs 256 workers-176 of which are temporary. Sizemore is the temporary staffing agency under contract with HP Pelzer.
Lack of LOTO, machine guarding
OSHA cited HP Pelzer for 11 serious safety and health violations, carrying $80,100 in penalties. The inspection found that the employer failed to prevent compressed air from being used for cleaning without a means to regulate the pressure. Additionally, workers were exposed to potential thermal skin burns from unprotected hot pipes and fittings. Other violations include failing to develop and implement written lockout/tagout procedures for machinery repair; ensure unblocked exit routes; and develop and implement a hazard communication program for those exposed to formaldehyde.
The company was also cited for three repeat violations, carrying penalties of $121,000, which were associated with previous inspections in 2008 and 2009. Multiple citations for similar hazards were previously issued at other HP Pelzer facilities. Workers were again exposed to amputation and laceration hazards stemming from a lack of guarding on machine parts.
"Our employees are our most valuable resource"
The contract with Sizemore, which maintains an administrative office at the facility, specifies that the staffing agency will provide workers with some of the training before their assignment. As a result, the staffing agency was issued one serious health citation, with $6,000 in penalties, for not providing temporary workers with training regarding formaldehyde and its hazards. According to its website, Sizemore "operates on the principal that our employees are our most valuable resource."
In April 2013, OSHA announced an initiative to improve workplace safety and health for temporary workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics preliminary data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries shows fatal work injuries involving contractor worker fatalities, including temporary help service workers, accounted for 708-or 16 percent-of the 4,383 fatal work injuries in 2012. Additional details are available at http://bls.gov/iif/home.htm.
