Globus Printing & Packaging Co. has been cited for 24 health and safety violations by the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These citations come with $91,800 in proposed penalties. The citations come after an inspection of their plant in Minster, OH, in August of 2013 following a complaint.
“Workers were exposed daily to many dangerous hazards at the Globus Printing & Packaging Co.,” said Kim Nelson, OSHA’s area director in Toledo. “The company lacks adequate employee training on those hazards.”
These hazards included thirteen serious safety violations, six health violations, and five other-than-serious violations. The serious safety violations were for issues such as: failing to provide electrical personal protective equipment for employees doing electrical work, failing to remove damaged forklifts from service, and failing to maintain exit lighting and an employee alarm system.
The six health violations were: failing to maintain an environment free of combustible dust, not ensuring employees used eye and face protection, failing to conduct and certify a personal protective equipment assessment, lack of an eyewash station in the battery servicing area, failing to ground drums when dispensing flammable liquids, and lack of training in hazard communication and safe chemical handling.
The five other-than-serious violations were for failing to mount and mark portable fire extinguishers; conduct forklift training at least every three years; improper use of power strips; evaluate workplaces for confined spaces; and inform employees of permit-required confined spaces.
As you can see from this list, there is a smattering of violations across many areas, from personal protective equipment to exit routes and alarm systems, hazard communication, and confined spaces. It is for this reason we always recommend third party safety and health audits to ensure your facility is up to code with all OSHA regulations. There is so much to keep track of, it can often become a daunting task, especially for a growing or developing company.
If you have any questions about third party safety audits, please contact us and we can explain the process and benefits of the audits. If you have anything to add about the proposed fines for Globus Printing by OSHA or about third party safety audits, please leave a comment.
