OSHA Cites MJ Associates Inc. for Multiple Workplace Safety and Health Violations

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U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Cites MJ Associates Inc. for Multiple Workplace Safety and Health Violations

Unsafe crane conditions result in nearly $160,000 in proposed penalties

Philadelphia -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited MJ Associates Inc. for numerous alleged safety and health violations, totaling $159,000 in proposed fines. The Philadelphia company cuts and forms rebar for the construction industry.

OSHA initiated its investigation of the Philadelphia facility, which employs 49 people, on January 30 in response to a complaint alleging fall hazards, and failure to inspect and maintain conveyors and cranes. The investigation resulted in three willful and 51 serious violations.

The willful violations include failure to correct unsafe conditions disclosed by crane inspections, and provide appropriate guarding on rotating parts. OSHA issues a willful violation when an employer exhibits plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

The serious violations include the company's failure to ensure that cranes were not used to lift materials beyond their rated load capacity. The company also failed to provide fall protection, inspect cranes and mark exit route doors. A serious citation is issued when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

"It is imperative that MJ Associates Inc. corrects these violations to prevent injuries or death," said Al D'Imperio, director of OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office. "Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy work environment for their employees."

For the rest of this article please visit www.osha.gov.