Region 5 News Release: 11-1767-CHI
Dec. 20, 2011
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976 312-353-4807
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Colfor Manufacturing for exposing
workers to hazardous energy sources during machine servicing
Proposed fines for Malvern, Ohio-based automotive parts manufacturer total $51,000

MALVERN, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Colfor Manufacturing Inc. for four safety violations, including a repeat violation for failing to protect workers by locking out the energy sources of presses at its Malvern facility, following an inspection that began in October. The company manufactures automotive parts using hot and cold forging methods. Proposed fines total $51,000.

"Employers who are cited for repeat OSHA violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to employee safety and health," said Deb Zubaty, director of OSHA's Columbus Area Office. "Employers are responsible for knowing the hazards that exist in their workplaces and implementing relevant safety standards. OSHA is committed to protecting workers, especially when employers fail to do so."

The repeat violation is for failing to lock out the energy sources of mechanical and hydraulic forging presses during die changes, servicing and/or maintenance. 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. Colfor Manufacturing was cited for the same violation in February 2010.

The company also has been cited with three serious violations for failing to use specific procedures for the control of hazardous energy, to use group hazardous energy control procedures for multiple exposed workers conducting maintenance on presses and to inspect energy control procedures at least annually. 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.

Colfor Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., has been inspected by OSHA 13 times since 1990, resulting in citations for 52 violations. The company 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 Columbus office at 614-469-5582.

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.