Region 5 News Release: 11-1727-CHI
Dec. 15, 2011
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA proposes $90,000 in fines to Pittsburgh-
based PPG Industries for safety violations at Cleveland facility

CLEVELAND – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited PPG Industries Inc. for four safety violations, including a willful violation for operating an unguarded winder machine, at its Cleveland resin production facility. Proposed fines total $90,000.

"Failing to ensure machine guarding is in place to protect workers from the point of operation puts employees at risk for injury and amputation hazards," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "Employers have a responsibility to recognize the hazards that exist in their facilities, and take necessary precautions to protect workers' safety and health."

An inspection was initiated Sept. 26 after OSHA received a complaint alleging the use of an unguarded winder machine in the facility's Teslin department, which resulted in the citation for the willful violation. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

PPG Industries also has been cited for three serious violations: failing to lock out the energy sources of equipment prior to servicing or conducting maintenance, have authorized personnel affix lockout/tagout devices on equipment and ensure guards were affixed or secured to equipment. 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.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., PPG Industries is a coatings and specialty products and services company that operates in more than 60 countries. It has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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 Cleveland Area Office at 216-615-4266.

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, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.