Region 5 News Release: 09-73-CHI
Jan. 29, 2008
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976

ALSIP, Ill. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a total of $225,000 in fines against Certified Painting Co. Inc. in Alsip for an alleged eight willful and nine serious violations of federal workplace safety standards.

OSHA's investigation, opened in July 2008, cited Certified Painting Co. Inc. for failure to have proper carbon monoxide monitoring devices; to provide and ensure workers were using personal protective clothing; to provide required hygiene facilities and ensure workers conducted required hygiene practices after possible exposure to lead or other hazardous materials; and to provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets and have a lifesaving skiff immediately available at locations where employees were working over or adjacent to water.

The company also has been cited for failure to provide proper fall protection and equipment for employees working on scaffolding; to maintain a safety and health program; to provide a required training program prior to employees being exposed to lead; and to conduct regular inspections of the jobsite by a competent person.

"Failing to practice required OSHA safety and health standards is detrimental to the welfare of American workers," said Gary Anderson, director of the agency's area office in Calumet City, Ill. "Any employer that is committed to providing a safe place of work can avoid employee injuries and fatalities by following OSHA's regulations."

Certified Painting Co. Inc. performs industrial painting on bridges and other construction projects throughout the state of Illinois. The company has been inspected by OSHA 16 times and has been cited for safety and health violations more than 100 times since 1976.

Certified Painting Co. Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the latest citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.