October 21, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites South Jersey Manufacturer
For Repeat Violations of Workplace Safety and Health Laws

PENNSAUKEN, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has again cited Aruvil International Inc. for multiple workplace violations – including four willful safety citations - at the company’s Pennsauken, New Jersey, facility. The commercial and residential fencing company faces $370,298 in penalties.

OSHA initiated an inspection in April 2019, as a follow-up to a prior inspection. OSHA cited Aruvil International Inc. for willfully violating federal standards related to lockout/tag out procedures to prevent machine startup, machine guards and proper warehouse lighting. OSHA also cited the company for an obstructed loading dock, and blocked electrical disconnects for forklift truck chargers.

“OSHA has inspected Aruvil International Inc. three times since 2015, and repeated violators cannot be tolerated,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. “Employers who do not comply with the law will continue to see full and fair enforcement.”

“Employers must make worker safety its top priority,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick, in Marlton, New Jersey. “This company continues to expose employees to multiple safety and health deficiencies that put them at risk for serious or fatal injuries.”

OSHA offers resources on what can be done to control hazardous energy, and recognizing and controlling common amputation hazards when using machinery.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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.

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.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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Media Contacts:

Joanna Hawkins, 215-861-5101, hawkins.joanna@dol.gov
Leni Fortson, 215-861-5102, uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

Release Number:  19-1740-PHI (OSHA 19-57 Aruvil International

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).