OSHA cites Ohio Aluminum Industries in Garfield Heights, Ohio, for 14 safety citations

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Ohio Aluminum Industries in Garfield Heights with 14 serious safety violations carrying $60,900 in proposed fines.

The violations involve failing to provide machine guards on the bandsaw blade; failing to properly provide ground equipment; failing to provide personal protective equipment such as aluminized aprons and mesh screen face shields to protect against burns; failing to verify process safety management procedures and practices for sulfur dioxide as well as provide proper training to employees regarding safe operating practices; exposing workers to continuous noise beyond the permissible eight-hour noise exposure limit; failing to implement engineering controls to reduce noise; allowing wood dust to accumulate on the floor and surfaces in the pattern shop, and allowing aluminum dust to collect in the shot blast machine, creating the potential for an explosive dust hazard; and failing to implement explosion protection measures for equipment and exhaust ventilation systems in which there is a potential for a combustible dust explosion or fire.

Ohio Aluminum Industries Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.