OSHA Notes “Serious Safety Violations” at New York Business

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has accused a New York business of more than 30 “serious” safety violations at its New York Mills plant and threatened thousands of dollars in fines if the company does not immediately address the issue.

The Fountain Group, which produces “agricultural-hand sprayers” for the average consumer is accused of a large number of work hazards. The dangers facing employees include electric shock, burns and machine-inflicted injuries – among other potentially deadly hazards. OSHA did not say whether or not there had already been accidents reported at the plant.

OSHA officials have given The Fountainhead Group 15 business days to reply to the charges. Company executives have the right to contest the findings before an independent review commission. Alternately, they may simply choose to accept OSHA’s demands and pay the proposed fines.

Whether the health and safety hazards appeared to be a product of cost cutting or unprompted negligence, OSHA spokesmen did not say.

If you work at a company with a poor safety record, or one you fear is on the brink of a major accident, it is important that you alert the proper authorities immediately. We’ve all seen what can happen when companies wait too long to fix a serious problem.

Source Article

• OSHA cites Fountainhead for ‘serious’ violations, proposes fines (Central New York Business Journal)