OSHA has cited plastic pipe manufacturer Endot Industries Inc. for 18 health and safety violations found at the company's facility in Rockaway, NJ. The agency's inspection began in July based on a referral and as part of the agency's Site-Specific Targeting Program, which directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses. Proposed penalties total $51,800.

Seventeen serious violations include the company's failure to develop and implement a written hazard communication program for workers using propane and acetylene; a respiratory protection program for workers using full-face negative pressure respirators on a voluntary basis; establish and implement a hearing conservation program for workers exposed to noise levels over 85 decibels; train workers on propane and acetylene hazards; establish an energy control program; and provide training and develop equipment-specific procedures prior to conducting service and maintenance.

Additionally, the company failed to maintain unobstructed exit routes and post directional exit signs; provide practical training and performance evaluations for workers operating forklifts; provide training in the use of portable fire extinguishers to workers acting as fire watches; ensure proper use of flexible cords; and properly guard manufacturing equipment.

OSHA inspectors also cited one other-than-serious violation for failing to provide Appendix D training to workers wearing filtering facepiece respirators on a voluntary basis. The citation carries no penalty.