09-887-PHI (osha 09-163)
Aug. 5, 2009
Contact: Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5102

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites Wilmington, Del., company for workplace safety and health hazards

WILMINGTON, Del. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Amer Industrial Technologies Inc. for alleged safety and health violations, proposing $63,750 in penalties.

OSHA initiated its investigation on Mar. 18 in response to a complaint alleging unsafe work conditions. As a result, the company has been cited with 33 serious violations, with a penalty of $61,250, and eight other-than-serious violations, with a penalty of $2,500.

The serious violations include fall hazards, unsafe storage of flammable and combustible liquids, unguarded machinery, lack of welding screens, lack of caution signs, lack of crane and sling inspections, obstructed exits, inadequate training, lack of safety restraints for compressed air hoses, numerous electrical hazards, lack of a hearing conservation program and lack of a hazard communication program. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

The other-than-serious violations include blocked fire extinguishers, the absence of 'no smoking' signs, the company's failure to take air samples to determine employee exposure to hexavalent chromium and the company's failure to maintain required records.

"These violations leave Amer Industrial Technologies employees vulnerable to workplace accidents that can cause injury and possible death," said Domenick Salvatore, area director of OSHA's Wilmington office. "The company is strongly encouraged to abate these hazards as quickly as possible."

The Wilmington company designs, engineers, manufactures and tests nuclear and non-nuclear pressure vessels, and employs 30 workers.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA 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 Wilmington Area Office; telephone: 302-573-6518.

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.

###

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.