Region 4 News Release: 13-1506-ATL (207)
August 07, 2013
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Lindsay Williams
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov williams.lindsay.l@dol.gov

Hanna Steel Corp. in Northport, Ala., cited for repeat, serious safety violations
by US Department of Labor's OSHA; $117,500 in proposed fines

NORTHPORT, Ala. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Hanna Steel Corp. with 15 safety violations and a proposed penalty of $117,500 following a February inspection at the company's Northport facility, conducted as part of the agency's national emphasis program on amputations.

Two repeat violations, with $60,500 in proposed penalties, include failing to develop, document and utilize procedures for potentially hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of equipment. The company also failed to ensure guards and work rests on the grinders were properly adjusted. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The same violations were cited in July 2009.

Nine serious safety violations, with $55,900 in penalties, include failing to select and require appropriate hand protection for workers exposed to hazards; provide hardware to secure and block machines from energy sources while changing shims on a bearing block; conduct periodic inspections for specific procedures on equipment; provide training on the purpose and function of the energy control program; remove forklifts from service that had damaged tires and a broken pendant control panel; provide protective screens or personal protective equipment; and prevent worker exposure to unguarded and rotating parts on equipment. 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.

Four other-than-serious violations have also been cited, with $1,100 in proposed penalties, for failing to ensure an OSHA 300A log was posted, provide Appendix D to workers wearing respirators, establish and implement a respirator protection program and properly label chemical containers. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

"Hanna Steel previously was cited for some of the same violations found during the 2009 inspection. It is aware of what actions need to be taken to protect its workers," said Ramona Morris, area director of OSHA's Birmingham Area Office. "Employers are responsible for ensuring that their employees have a safe and healthful workplace."

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/HannaSteelCorporation_891407_0729_13.pdf*.

Hanna Steel Corp., which manufactures steel tubing and pre-painted steel, 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 Birmingham Area Office at 205-731-1534.

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 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.