OSHA Proposes $70,000 in Fines against Massachusetts Metals Recycling Company for Maintaining Hazardous Work Conditions

On January 11, 20101, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Prolerized New England Co. LLC, a recycling company in Everett, Massachusetts, for ten serious workplace safety violations and proposed that the company pay $70,000 in fines. OSHA investigated Prolerized’s Schnitzer Northeast facility in Everett, Massachusetts after an incident in September 2011 in which two workers were seriously injured when a large rotating drum used to sort scrap material for recycling activated while the workers were performing maintenance on the drum.

OSHA’s inspection found that the company neglected to properly train employees on safety procedures and proper equipment use. In addition, the company allegedly exposed employees to the danger of falling into the rotating drum through an unguarded chute opening.

“The unexpected startup of machinery during maintenance can injure or kill workers in seconds,” said Jeffrey Erskine, OSHA’s area director for Essex and Middlesex counties. “Preventing this hazard requires a combination of effective hazard control procedures, training and diligence to ensure that the proper safeguards are in place, in use and understood by workers.”

The Employment Law Group® law firm represents employees nationally who have been exposed to hazardous work conditions.

Tagged: Enforcement Bodies, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)