Region 3 News Release: 11-452-PHI (osha 11-029)
April 12, 2011
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102
E-mail: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites C & C Marine Maintenance for
exposing workers to serious safety hazards at Wellsburg, W.Va., facility

WELLSBURG, W.Va. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited C & C Marine Maintenance Co., based in Houston, Pa., with 13 serious safety violations at its Wellsburg facility. Proposed penalties total $45,900.

"The lack of employee protections against workplace hazards is unacceptable," said Prentice Cline, director of OSHA's Charleston Area Office. "It is vital that the company address all of the identified hazards to ensure that employees have a safe and healthy work environment."

OSHA's inspection, which began Oct. 4, 2010, found serious violations including the company's failure to dike a fuel tank, ensure the bi-directional alarm on a powered industrial truck was not defective, examine industrial trucks before they were put in service, place a fire extinguisher in the crane cab, label electrical disconnect switches, complete material safety data sheets for hazardous materials on-site, label containers of hazardous materials, properly cover open hatchways to prevent fall and tripping hazards, inspect and certify cranes, provide inspection dates on chain slings, use fire extinguishing equipment during welding operations, provide fire extinguisher training, and keep the work area uncluttered and free from obstructions.

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.

C & C Marine Maintenance Co. provides marine transportation of bulk cargoes, and performs ship and vessel repairs. The company operates facilities in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Charleston office; telephone 304-347-5937. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.