Region 1 News Release: 09-1217-BOS/BOS 2009-354
Thurs., Oct. 22, 2009
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
Phone: 617-565-2074

US Labor Department's OSHA proposes nearly $113,000 in fines for electrical and other hazards at New Britain, Conn., armored car facility

HARTFORD, Conn. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Dunbar Armored Industries Inc., Dunbar Cash Vault Services and Coin Wrap Inc., for 33 alleged violations of safety and health standards at Dunbar Armored's New Britain, Conn., facility. The three employers face combined penalties of $112,300, chiefly for electrical-related hazards, following OSHA inspections opened in April in response to a complaint.

"Electricity moves - and can kill or injure - at the speed of light. It doesn't give you a second chance," said C. William Freeman III, OSHA's area director in Hartford. "That's why it is vitally important that each employer at this workplace ensure that all electrical equipment, wiring and cords be properly and safely used and maintained on a continuing basis."

Dunbar Armored Industries Inc., which operates the armored car service, was issued 17 serious citations, with $55,500 in proposed fines, for improperly grounded electrical equipment, blocked access to electrical panels, misused electrical equipment, damaged and misused power cords, unguarded openings in electrical boxes, a damaged electrical conduit and failing to provide the company electrician with personal protective equipment and training in electrical safe-related work practices. It was also cited for a fire extinguisher that had not been tested in five years, improper compressed gas storage, unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals, an unguarded grinder and stair hazards.

Dunbar Cash Vault Services, which provides cash management services at the facility, was issued 12 serious citations, with $42,300 in fines, for blocked and unmarked exits, a leaking battery on a fork truck, misused electrical equipment, a broken electrical conduit, misused power cords, improperly grounded electrical equipment and other electrical hazards.

Coin Wrap Inc., which provides coin wrapping services at the facility, was issued four serious citations, with $14,500 in fines, for storing metal items atop electrical boxes, using power cords in place of permanent wiring, unguarded moving parts of a coin wrapping machine and blocked access to electrical boxes.

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.

Each employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA or contest the finding before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Hartford Area Office; telephone 860-240-3152.

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. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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