Construction Law

OSHA Issues Fines Against a Corporation for Knowingly Exposing Workers to Injuries

By Ryan McCabe

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined Whitesell Corporation over three million dollars and cited the corporation for 72 safety and health violations after a worker was seriously injured in an Alabama factory. According to the OSHA news release on September 1, ?Whitesell willfully tampered with the safety mechanisms of its hydraulic forging presses at its Tuscambia plant to speed up production, resulting in the amputation of a worker?s hand.?

Originally, OSHA conducted inspections of only the Tuscambia plant, but after finding substantial safety concerns, the inspection was expanded to also include Whitesell?s Muscle Shoals Plant. Among other things, Whitesell bypassed safety mechanisms and failed to utilize mechanical guards on its equipment, thereby exposing its workers to serious bodily danger. 

?Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.?

This site and any information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek a competent attorney for advice on any legal matter.

Full post as published by The South Carolina Construction Law Blog on September 13, 2010 (boomark / email).