OSHA cites Springfield manufacturer for health violations
Emily Letterman
Posted online
A Springfield manufacturer faces one willful and three serious violations for failing to provide respiratory protection and monitor and ventilate a work site adequately, resulting in the hospitalization of 18 workers.
Industrial washer parts manufacturer JRI Holdings Inc. faces four violations and more than $70,000 in fines from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration after the workers were exposed to deadly carbon monoxide gas levels up to 6.71 times the permissible limit, according to a news release from the federal agency.
The event took place in November 2014, while employees were testing a commercial industrial parts washer powered by two natural gas heaters at 1339 N. Cedarbrook Ave. OSHA inspectors determined employees were working inside a building with its doors closed because of cold temperatures, which limited ventilation. According to the release, blood samples indicated the workers were exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide on the site, resulting in a willful violation.
“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer because it’s odorless, tasteless and invisible,” said Barbara Theriot, OSHA’s area director in Kansas City, in the release. “Overexposure can cause headaches, vomiting and death. Companies using heaters and other products that produce this deadly gas must make sure spaces are well-ventilated and that workers use protective equipment and monitor for exposure.”
OSHA inspectors also cited JRI Holdings, dba JRI Industries Inc. and JRI Cleaning Systems, for one serious safety violation for exposing workers to fall hazards because open-sided platforms lacked guardrails. The company also failed to determine if hazardous conditions existed and to provide personal protective equipment, according to the release.
The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees.
JRI officials could not be reached for comment by deadline.[[In-content Ad]]
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