Automobile Glass Maker Fined $724,380 for Safety Violations

Thursday, August 1, 2019 | 0

An inspection triggered by an Ohio glass maker’s high rate of injuries identified multiple safety and health hazards, resulting in $724,380 in penalties, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced.

OSHA cited Fuyao Glass America Inc. for nine repeat violations and 13 serious violations at its plant in Moraine. Violations included exposing workers to electrical hazards, failing to evaluate the workplace to identify permit-required confined spaces, and failing to train workers on lockout/tagout and confined-space entry procedures.

OSHA said the company also failed to properly guard machines and provide personal protective equipment, and failed to require the use of fall protection.

OSHA said it has inspected the Fuyao plant 12 times in the past four years. The agency said it initiated the inspection as part of its Site-Specific Targeting program, which directs enforcement resources to workplaces where the highest rate of injuries and illnesses have occurred.

Bill Donovan, acting regional administrator, said the company’s “repeated failure to implement and enforce safety and health programs at the workplace is unacceptable.”

OSHA fined the company $14,000 in April 2016 for violations including failing to properly guard a machine and not securing floor coverings over a grate.

In November 2016, OSHA cited the company $227,000 for 23 serious safety violations that included failing to properly guard machines, exposing workers to electrical hazards and not providing personal protective equipment.

The Dayton Daily News reported in 2016 that Fuyao was in the middle of a rapid expansion that would result in it having the largest automotive glass plant in the world.

Fuyao Glass America is the U.S.-based manufacturing subsidiary of Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd., which makes glass for nearly every auto manufacturer in the world.

The company has 15 days to request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.