COLUMBIANA, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited COL-Pump Co. Inc., with 10 health and safety violations, including two willful, for failing to monitor workers’ exposure to noise hazards above 85 decibels at the Columbiana foundry. Proposed fines total $56,880.
OSHA initiated an inspection on Sept. 14, after receiving a complaint that alleged the lack of an effective hearing protection program. The two willful violations involved failing to establish a baseline audiogram within six months of an employees’ first exposure to noise above the action level of 85 decibels and to provide annual audiograms to workers exposed to noise levels at or above allowable levels. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or plain indifference to employee safety and health.
“Failing to reduce noise exposure and ensure that a worker’s hearing proficiency is documented and monitored demonstrates a lack of concern for the safety and health of workers,” said Howard Eberts, OSHA’s area director in Cleveland. “OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so.”
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