Region 6 News Release: 12-2333-DAL
Dec. 12, 2012
Contact: Elizabeth Todd Juan Rodriguez
Phone: 972-850-4710 972-850-4709
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov rodriguez.juan@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Certifit Inc. with safety violations for
exposing workers to electrical and fall hazards in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Salt Lake City-based Certifit Inc. with two repeat and one serious violation from an August follow-up inspection for continuing to expose workers to fall and electrical hazards at the company's San Antonio work site on Sonterra Boulevard. Proposed penalties total $71,500.

The initial January inspection, which resulted in $12,000 in fines, determined that defective rolling ladders exposed workers to fall hazards, and the employer failed to ensure a competent, on-site person was trained and certified in first aid. The August inspection resulted in the same repeat violations. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

"This employer continues to jeopardize the safety of its workers," said Kelly C. Knighton, the agency's area director in San Antonio. "Employers have a responsibility to ensure a healthful and safe workplace environment."

The serious violation was cited for failing to ensure that an industrial fan was properly grounded. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Certifit, which employs about seven workers at the San Antonio work site and about 300 companywide, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's San Antonio office or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's San Antonio office at 210-472-5040.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.