SAFETY HEADLINESSafety
OSHA Cites Quinco Steel for Violations
Oct. 6, 2009 The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Quinco Steel Inc. of Chicago Heights, Ill., with proposed penalties totaling $111,100, for alleged willful, serious, and repeat violations of federal workplace safety and health standards.
OSHA's comprehensive safety and health inspection was conducted at the Michigan Avenue bridge construction site in Chicago where Quinco Steel was providing steel erection work.
Quinco Steel has been cited with two willful violations, with proposed penalties of $70,000, for failure to use proper fall protection while conducting steel erection activities over 15 feet and while operating an aerial lift.
The company also has 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 floatation devices while working over water, improper storage of compressed gas cylinders, failure to conduct a proper lead exposure assessment at the worksite, and failure to provide proper personal protective clothing and respiratory gear.
OSHA also issued a citation for one repeat violation with a proposed fine of $8400 for the company's failure to ensure workers abide safety regulations while working within an aerial lift.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach, and education.