Region 6 News Release: DOL-OSHA-10-972-DAL
July 12, 2010
Contact: Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4710
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Krestmark Industries
in Dallas for alleged safety and health violations

DALLAS - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Krestmark Industries LP with one alleged willful and 10 alleged serious violations following a safety and health inspection at the company's worksite in Dallas. Penalties total $129,500.

"This employer clearly knew that workers at this facility were exposed to hazardous levels of noise," said Stephen Boyd, OSHA's area director in Dallas. "The company ignored its responsibility under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and continued to jeopardize the health and safety of its workers."

OSHA's Dallas Area Office began its inspection in January at Krestmark's Bastille Road facility after receiving a complaint alleging employees were being exposed to safety hazards. A willful violation has been issued for the company's failure to institute an effective hearing conservation program when workers were exposed to noise levels at or above 85 decibels. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

The company also has been cited with 10 serious violations for failing to protect workers from being struck by flying objects, the unexpected release of energy while servicing and maintaining equipment, exposure to blood and hazardous chemicals and failing to train workers on the safe operation of forklift trucks. A serious violation is one in which there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's Dallas Area Office at 214-320-2400 or OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers.

Krestmark Industries has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Dallas, or contest the citations and penalties 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 assure 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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