"Deteriorating" Connecticut paper mill faces $320,500 in proposed OSHA fines (2/4)
OSHA last week cited Cascades Boxboard Group - Connecticut LLC for 52 alleged serious and repeat violations of safety standards at its Versailles, Conn., paper mill. The company faces $320,500 in proposed fines following a comprehensive OSHA inspection begun in July in response to employee complaints.
According to an OSHA press statement, “The citations address a broad cross section of chemical, electrical, mechanical, fire and fall hazards as well as crushing hazards posed by the deteriorating condition of the mill building. OSHA's inspection found numerous instances throughout the building of extensive rust, corrosion and physical damage that compromised its structural stability.
”Specific conditions identified during the inspection included unguarded machinery; unguarded floor openings; damaged ladders; lack of fall protection; uninspected or inadequately maintained fire extinguishers; corroded wire lifting slings; lack of personal protective equipment; and deficiencies involving respirators, fork trucks, propane tanks, electrical safety, hazardous energy control, hazard communication and work in confined spaces. These conditions resulted in the issuance of 48 serious citations with $198,000 in proposed fines. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.
”Four repeat citations, with $122,500 in fines, have been issued for conditions similar to those cited in a 2007 OSHA inspection. These included 86 instances of unguarded moving machine parts; open-sided platforms unguarded or inadequately guarded against falls; stairs lacking railings; and several locations where floors were not maintained in dry condition.
”Cascades Boxboard Group - Connecticut LLC has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to meet with OSHA or to contest them to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Hartford Area Office; telephone 860-240-3152.”
According to an OSHA press statement, “The citations address a broad cross section of chemical, electrical, mechanical, fire and fall hazards as well as crushing hazards posed by the deteriorating condition of the mill building. OSHA's inspection found numerous instances throughout the building of extensive rust, corrosion and physical damage that compromised its structural stability.
”Specific conditions identified during the inspection included unguarded machinery; unguarded floor openings; damaged ladders; lack of fall protection; uninspected or inadequately maintained fire extinguishers; corroded wire lifting slings; lack of personal protective equipment; and deficiencies involving respirators, fork trucks, propane tanks, electrical safety, hazardous energy control, hazard communication and work in confined spaces. These conditions resulted in the issuance of 48 serious citations with $198,000 in proposed fines. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.
”Four repeat citations, with $122,500 in fines, have been issued for conditions similar to those cited in a 2007 OSHA inspection. These included 86 instances of unguarded moving machine parts; open-sided platforms unguarded or inadequately guarded against falls; stairs lacking railings; and several locations where floors were not maintained in dry condition.
”Cascades Boxboard Group - Connecticut LLC has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to meet with OSHA or to contest them to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Hartford Area Office; telephone 860-240-3152.”
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