Region 1 News Release: 09-37-BOS/BOS 2009-022
Fri., Jan. 23, 2009
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074

CONCORD, N.H. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited A.P. Dailey Custom Laminating Inc. of Windham, N.H., for 34 alleged serious violations of workplace safety and health standards. The manufacturer of custom kitchen cabinets and countertops faces a total of $44,500 in proposed fines following OSHA inspections prompted by an Aug. 1, 2008, accident in which a company employee lost two fingers while operating an unguarded saw.

"These citations highlight a cross-section of mechanical, chemical, electrical, health and fire hazards that need to be addressed promptly, completely and effectively," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director for New Hampshire. "Failure to correct these conditions exposes employees to the dangers of fire, explosion, laceration, crushing, eye injuries and hazardous substances."

In connection with the accident, OSHA found that the saw used by the employee, as well as other saws in the workplace, lacked guarding to prevent employee contact with their blades. The inspection also identified deficiencies in required safeguards for employees who responded to and cleaned up blood after the accident, including lack of an exposure control plan to eliminate or minimize employees' exposure to bloodborne pathogens, lack of employee training, not offering the Hepatitis B vaccine to exposed employees and failure to disinfect surfaces contaminated with blood.

OSHA also cited the company for hazards related to the design, construction and location of its dust collection system; unguarded machinery; not training employees in the operation of fork trucks and in fire extinguisher use; lack of eye, face and hand protection; unapproved electrical installations in areas with flammable or combustible materials and liquids; lack of a written respiratory protection program and deficiencies in respirator selection, use, storage, maintenance and training; unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals; and no exposure determination, protective clothing, eyewash and hazard information for employees working with methylene chloride.

OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to meet with OSHA or to contest them to the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Concord Area Office; telephone 603-225-1629.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.