April 25, 2016

Allentown manufacturer willfully exposed workers to amputation hazards
OSHA fines Lynar Corp., $54K for a dozen violations

Employers name: Lynar Corp., 6837 Patterson Court, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Citations issued: On, April 22, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations for nine serious, one willful and two other-than-serious violations.

Investigation findings: OSHA opened an inspection on Feb. 18, 2016, under its national emphasis program on amputations. Inspectors found that the Lynar Corp., failed to develop procedures or provide training necessary to prevent the release of hazardous energy when employees performed maintenance on machinery. The company received willful citations for the hazards.

The agency also cited the manufacturing company for failing to do the following:

• Provide powered industrial truck maintenance and operator training.
• Maintain an emergency shower and eye-wash station.
• Equip employees with personal protective equipment.
• Ensure that machine safety guards were in place.
• Develop and implement a hazard communication program.
• Did not ensure that compressed air used for cleaning did not exceed 30 PSI.

Proposed penalties: $54,000

Quote: "Lynar Corporation has failed to make safety and health a priority at its facility, leaving employees vulnerable to hazards that could cause serious injury or possible death," said Jean Kulp, director of OSHA's Allentown Area Office. "Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees. OSHA will not tolerate anything less than that."

View the citations: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/LynarCorporation_1122134_0419_16.pdf

To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint; or report amputations, eye loss, 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 Allentown Area Office at (267) 429-7542.

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Media Contacts:

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

Release Number: 16-704-PHI (OSHA 16-042 Lynar Corp.)

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