New Jersey steel fabrication company fined $348K for workplace safety violations
New Jersey steel fabrication company fined $348K after federal safety inspectors find employees exposed to workplace hazards
Kenric Steel LLC cited for 11 safety and health violations
MILLVILLE, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a steel fabrication business after finding the company willfully exposed workers to safety and health hazards at its Millville shop.
OSHA issued citations – four willful and seven serious violations – against Kenric Steel LLC and proposed $348,683 in penalties. The agency’s investigation began on July 26, 2023, in response to a complaint.
Violations found at Kenric Steel LLC
The violations involved Kenric Steel’s failure to:
- Medically evaluate new employees required to wear respirators.
- Conduct annual inspections of overhead cranes.
- Ensure proper use of welding screens.
- Train new hires on chemical safety.
- Ensure grounding and bonding of a spray finishing process.
- Label containers and maintain safety data sheets for chemicals.
- Install the correct circuit breakers to operate lights.
Importance of workplace safety
“A few months before our inspection, Kenric Steel hired a safety consultant who identified multiple safety and health hazards at the Millville fabrication shop. However, the company failed to correct the hazards, which is unacceptable,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “Employers are legally obligated to provide a safe and healthful workplace for all workers.”
Kenric Steel is a family-owned and operated steel fabrication business specializing in the furnishing and installation of structural and miscellaneous steel, as well as custom fabrication and installation of manufactured safety and fall protection products.
Takeaways for workplace safety
It is crucial for all businesses, regardless of size, to prioritize workplace safety to protect employees from harm and avoid costly fines. Here are some practical tips for implementing safety measures in the workplace:
- Conduct regular safety inspections to identify hazards.
- Provide adequate training on safety procedures and equipment.
- Ensure proper maintenance of equipment and machinery.
- Implement a safety management system to track and address safety issues.
- Encourage open communication between management and employees regarding safety concerns.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Kenric Steel contested the citations on February 7.