August 14, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Florida Armor Fabrication Company
For Exposing Employees to Amputation and Other Safety Hazards

MIAMI LAKES, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Point Blank Enterprises Inc. – operating as The Protective Group in Miami Lakes, Florida – for exposing employees to amputation and other safety hazards. The company faces $92,820 in penalties.

OSHA inspectors determined that the armor plate fabrication company exposed employees to amputation hazards by allowing them to operate a band saw without machine guarding, and failing to develop and implement a lockout/tagout program to prevent machines from unexpectedly starting during servicing or maintenance. OSHA conducted the inspection in conjunction with the National Emphasis Program on Amputations. The Agency also cited Point Blank Enterprises for exposing employees to silica levels over the permissible exposure limit, and failing to conduct monitoring to determine employees’ exposure to silica, and post the required signage for a silica-regulated area.

“Employers should implement an effective safety and health program to mitigate the serious hazards that threaten the well-being of employees,” said OSHA Area Director Condell Eastmond, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

OSHA’s recommended practices for safety and health programs recognizes that finding and fixing hazards before they cause injury or illness is an effective approach for maintaining a safe workplace.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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 help 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 https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Eric Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov
Michael D’Aquino, 678-237-0630, daquino.michael@dol.gov

Release Number: 19-1354-ATL (291)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).