Department of Labor Fines New Jersey Transportation Company $437K for Safety Hazards
January 31, 2024
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined a transportation company in New Jersey $437,860 after discovering safety and health hazards at its Paulsboro site. The investigation was initiated in response to an employee complaint regarding safety and health deficiencies.
Violations Found
The investigation revealed several violations, including:
- Willful Violation: The company failed to properly maintain safety data sheets for chemicals, including corrosives.
- Repeat Violations: Workers were not made aware of the names of new chemicals due to outdated container labels. Additionally, eyewash stations were not properly maintained, and medical evaluations were not conducted for workers prior to respirator use.
- Serious Citations: The company failed to inspect hoists, establish a written hazard communication program, and ensure safety requirements were met during the use of a lifeline fall protection system.
It is worth noting that Dana Container, the transportation company in question, has been previously cited by OSHA in 2019 and 2023 for similar violations.
Consequences and Compliance
The Department of Labor is urging Dana Container to address these violations immediately to provide a safe and healthful workplace for its employees. The company has three options within 15 business days of receiving the citations and penalties:
- Comply with the findings
- Request an informal conference with OSHA
- Contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
Employers who are looking to develop a workplace safety and health program can visit OSHA’s website for information. OSHA also offers compliance assistance resources and free help on complying with OSHA standards.
Conclusion
Ensuring workplace safety and health is crucial for all organizations. Violations can lead to serious consequences, including fines and potential harm to employees. Companies must prioritize safety measures such as maintaining proper safety data sheets, updating container labels, conducting medical evaluations, and establishing hazard communication programs.
By complying with regulations and implementing safety guidelines, organizations can create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.