Region 4 News Release: 14-72-ATL
Feb. 3, 2014
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Lindsay Williams
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email d'aquino.michael@dol.gov williams.lindsay.l@dol.gov

Automotive manufacturer in Thomson, Ga., cited by US Department of
Labor's OSHA for amputation and laceration hazards

THOMSON, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited HP Pelzer Automotive Systems Inc. of Thomson and staffing agency Sizemore Inc. for 22 safety and health violations. OSHA initiated its inspection in July 2013 in response to a complaint alleging hazards at the automotive manufacturing facility. Proposed penalties total $207,100.

"HP Pelzer continues to put workers at risk of serious injury or death by failing to correct unguarded equipment and other serious hazards," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "Additionally, Sizemore must work proactively with its client to ensure temporary workers receive appropriate safety and health training."

HP Pelzer, a supplier of automotive parts for major car manufacturers, employs approximately 10,000 workers across nine facilities in the U.S. and Mexico. The Thomson facility, which produces parts, such as outer dashes and hood liners, employs 256 workers-176 of which are temporary. Sizemore is the temporary staffing agency under contract with HP Pelzer.

OSHA cited HP Pelzer for 11 serious safety and health violations, carrying $80,100 in penalties. The inspection found that the employer failed to prevent compressed air from being used for cleaning without a means to regulate the pressure. Additionally, workers were exposed to potential thermal skin burns from unprotected hot pipes and fittings. Other violations include failing to develop and implement written lockout/tagout procedures for machinery repair; ensure unblocked exit routes; and develop and implement a hazard communication program for those exposed to formaldehyde.

OSHA cited HP Pelzer for three repeat violations, carrying penalties of $121,000, which were associated with previous inspections in 2008 and 2009. Multiple citations for similar hazards were previously issued at other HP Pelzer facilities. Workers were again exposed to amputation and laceration hazards stemming from a lack of guarding on machine parts.

The contract with Sizemore, which maintains an administrative office at the facility, specifies that the staffing agency will provide workers with some of the training before their assignment. As a result, the staffing agency was issued one serious health citation, with $6,000 in penalties, for not providing temporary workers with training regarding formaldehyde and its hazards.

In April 2013, OSHA announced an initiative to improve workplace safety and health for temporary workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics preliminary data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries shows fatal work injuries involving contractor worker fatalities, including temporary help service workers, accounted for 708-or 16 percent-of the 4,383 fatal work injuries in 2012. Additional details are available at http://bls.gov/iif/home.htm.

The current citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/HP_Pelzer_Automotive_Systems_Inc_924666_0128_14.pdf*, http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/HP_Pelzer_Automotive_Systems_Inc_926903_0128_14.pdf* and http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/SizemoreInc_940736_0128_14.pdf*.

Both companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report 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 Atlanta-East Area Office at 770-493-6644.

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.

###

Editor's note: The link to the citations for Sizemore Inc. were added to this release after it was posted.

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 216-893-7828 or TTY 216-893-7755.

* Accessibility Assistance: Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.