December 10, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Georgia Chemical Manufacturer for Exposing Employees to Amputation, Fire and Other Workplace Hazards

GAINESVILLE, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Kittrich Corp. – operating as Avenger Products LLC – for exposing employees to amputation, fire, and electrical hazards at the company's Gainesville, Georgia, facility. The pesticide and agricultural chemical manufacturer faces $90,801 in penalties.

OSHA cited the employer for not following lockout/tagout safety procedures during maintenance activities to prevent machines from unexpectedly starting; exposing workers to electrical hazards by not labeling breakers and electrical panels; and storing flammable chemicals improperly. OSHA also cited the company for failing to provide proper hand protection; update and make safety data sheets accessible to employees working with chemicals; and train employees on how to use portable fire extinguishers.

"Employers who develop and implement a comprehensive safety and health program that identifies and corrects workplace hazards can mitigate the dangers that threaten workers' safety and health," said OSHA Atlanta-East Area Director William Fulcher.

OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy webpage provides information and resources on protecting employees from injuries when servicing machines or equipment. OSHA's Controlling Electrical Hazards booklet provides an information on how to correct electrical safety hazards in the 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 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.

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Media Contacts:

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

Release Number:  19-2067-ATL (431)

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).