05.10.2009

OSHA hits company for $110k

A Chicago based steel company, Quinco Steel of Halsted Street in Chicago Heights, has been fined almost $111,000 by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for repeated workplace safety and health violations while working at height.

Quinco Steel was cited for two violations with proposed penalties of $70,000 for failure to use proper fall protection while conducting steel erection activities over five metres/15ft up and while operating an aerial lift.

The company also received citations for 11 serious violations, with proposed fines of $32,700. Some of the violations address the company’s failure to ensure workers were wearing personal flotation devices while working over water, improper storage of gas cylinders, failure to conduct a proper lead exposure assessment at the worksite, and failure to provide proper personal protective clothing and respiratory equipment.

OSHA also issued a citation concerning the company's repeated failure to ensure that wmployees follow proper safety rules while working from aerial lifts. The proposed fine is $8,400.

Quinco has 15 working days from receiving the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent OSHA Review Commission.