Flooring Maker Fined $182K for Variety of Hazards

Thursday, July 19, 2018 | 0

An Upstate New York flooring manufacturer faces $182,917 in penalties for a variety of safety violations, including locked emergency exits, unguarded machines, and unlabeled hazardous materials and chemicals.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Timberline Hardwood Floors for 10 willful and serious safety violations, and four willful and serious health violations.

The company failed to implement lockout/tagout procedures to prevent machines from unintentionally starting; adequately train forklift operators; repair exposed electrical circuits; and develop hearing conservation and chemical hazard communication programs.

OSHA also cited the company for allowing locked emergency exits, unguarded machines, and unlabeled hazardous materials and chemicals.

“During this inspection, OSHA identified serious hazards that posed a threat to workers’ safety and health,” said OSHA Syracuse Area Office Assistant Director Jeffrey Prebish. “Unfortunately, Timberline Hardwood Floors LLC ignored its obligation to protect employees from these well-known issues.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties, to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.