Federal safety officials have proposed penalties totaling $162,400 against an Ohio-based steel manufacturer for exposing workers to workplace hazards.
While Republic Steel has made a significant investment in personnel, training and safety improvements, workers are still exposed to serious fall and chemical hazards at the company’s century-old Lorain steel mill, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors said.
In a 2014 corporate settlement with OSHA, the company pledged to address earlier health and safety violations.
Republic Steel received three repeated and eight serious safety citations on Aug. 7 after two complaint inspections initiated at the Lorain facility in February and April 2015. The steel-production facility faces proposed penalties of $162,400.
OSHA issued three repeat violations cited at Republic Steel facilities in Lorain, Canton and Massillon in 2010 and 2014. These violations included:
- Exposing workers to falls of about 20 feet while removing slag and debris in the billet caster, where molten steel converts to a solid.
- Failing to mark lifting devices with rated weight capacity for loads.
- Improperly labeling a hydrochloric acid dip tank for chemical hazards.
- Serious violations involved:
- Exposing workers to molten metal hazards.
- Failing to provide an emergency eyewash station.
- Not requiring workers exposed to hydrochloric acid splash hazards to use protective equipment.
- Violating respiratory protection standards.
Republic Steel is North America’s leading supplier of special bar quality steel, a highly engineered product used in axles, drive trains, suspensions and other critical vehicle components and industrial equipment.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Source: OSHA
Topics Commercial Lines Workers' Compensation Business Insurance Ohio
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