Region 4 News Release: 13-705-ATL (85)
April 29, 2013
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Lindsay Williams
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
E-mail: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov williams.lindsay.l@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Dolco Packaging Corp. for serious safety
violations; proposes more than $64,000 in penalties

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Dolco Packaging Corp., a division of TekniPlex Inc., with 12 serious safety violations following an inspection at the company's Lawrenceville facility. OSHA initiated the November 2012 inspection as a result of a complaint. Proposed penalties total $64,100.

The serious violations include failing to protect workers from exposure to hot surfaces, provide directional signage in the event of an emergency, develop an emergency action plan in the event of a small release of butane and provide training or evaluate workers' understanding of the operating procedure relating to butane. Additionally, violations include failing to analyze the process hazards for handling butane; conduct an audit within the last three years to ensure compliance with process safety management standards related to butane; develop written, machine-specific procedures for controlling the unexpected release of hazardous energy during maintenance and servicing; provide lockout/tagout training for workers performing equipment maintenance and servicing; and provide initial and/or annual training on the use of fire extinguishers and dealing with hazards associated with incipient stage firefighting and to document whether deficiencies identified in a 2009 compliance audit had been corrected. 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.

"Employers need to be proactive in identifying and removing workplace hazards rather than waiting for OSHA inspectors to address them," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers have a safe and healthful work environment."

Dolco Packaging Corp., which produces foam containers for storing perishable food, has 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 and 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 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.

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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.