October 8, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Concrete Facility for
Exposing Employees to Multiple Health and Safety Hazards

MOUNT VERNON, OH ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Prestress Services Industries of Ohio LLC for 20 safety and health violations at the concrete production plant in Mount Vernon, Ohio. The company faces penalties of $158,555.

Inspectors determined that noise levels in the plant were above the permissible exposure limit, and that the company failed to train, test, monitor, and provide medical surveillance for employees exposed to noise. OSHA also cited the company for exposing employees to silica, respiratory, machine, and electrical hazards.

"These hazards can cause workers to suffer immediate and long-term adverse health effects," said OSHA Columbus Area Director Larry Johnson. "Employers must recognize the safety and health risks inherent to their work operations, and take necessary precautions to protect employees who perform those operations."

The company has contested the findings and will appear 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 American 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:

Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, allen.scott@dol.gov
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Release Number: 19-1373-CHI

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).