Region 5 News Release: 13-411-CHI
April 2, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Phoenix Electrical Manufacturing Co. for
repeat safety violations at Chicago facility; proposes $51,590 in fines

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Phoenix Electrical Manufacturing Co. with three safety violations, including two repeat, at its Chicago manufacturing facility. Proposed penalties of $51,590 resulted from the January national emphasis program inspection on amputation hazards.

"Phoenix Electrical Manufacturing has a responsibility to provide proper machine guarding to prevent workers from amputations and other serious injuries when operating machinery in its facility," said Diane Turek, OSHA's area director for its Chicago North Office in Des Plaines. "Companies that are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a disregard for worker safety and health."

The repeat violations were cited for failing to guard all danger zones on a metal cutting saw and for allowing workers to use compressed air for cleaning that exceeded 30 pounds per square inch. 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 other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Similar violations were cited in 2008.

One serious violation was cited for failing to have adequate machine guarding in place on a broaching machine and a riveter. 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.

Phoenix Electrical Manufacturing, which produces parts for electrical motors and generators, has been cited by OSHA seven previous times.

The company has 15 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.

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 Chicago North Area Office at 847-803-4800.

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 202-693-7830 or TTY 202-693-7755.