OSHA cites Pandrol USA in Bridgeport, NJ, for willful and serious violations, proposes $283,500 in penalties

BRIDGEPORT, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Pandrol USA LP, a rail fastening system manufacturer, with 25 safety and health violations – including three willful – at the company’s Bridgeport facility. A complaint alleging hazards prompted OSHA’s inspection. Proposed penalties total $283,500.

The willful violations involve the employer’s failure to use energy control, or “lockout/tagout” procedures, for mechanical and hydraulic presses; provide machine guarding; and ensure that employees performing maintenance and repairs on machinery are properly trained on energy control procedures. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowledge or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

Due to the willful violations, Pandrol has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law. The program focuses on recalcitrant employers that endanger workers by committing willful, repeat or failure-to-abate violations. For more information on the program, visit http://s.dol.gov/J3.

via 2012 – 12/03/2012 – US Labor Department’s OSHA cites Pandrol USA in Bridgeport, NJ, for willful and serious violations, proposes $283,500 in penalties.