Region 6 News Release: DOL-OSHA-10-941-DAL
Monday, July 19, 2010
Contact: Elizabeth Todd
Phone: 972-850-4710
Email: todd.elizabeth@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Jarden Home Brands
in Greenville, Texas, for alleged safety violations

GREENVILLE, Texas - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Jarden Home Brands with two alleged willful and 12 alleged serious violations following a safety inspection at the company's worksite in Greenville. Penalties total $197,500.

"This employer jeopardized the safety of its workers by exposing them to the possible release of electrical energy, which could result in electrocution or other hazards," said Stephen Boyd, OSHA's area director in Dallas, Texas. "OSHA's regulations must be followed to avoid injuries and fatalities."

OSHA's Dallas Area Office began its inspection Jan. 27 at the company's facility on Industrial Boulevard after receiving a referral alleging workers were being exposed to safety hazards. Willful violations were issued for failing to develop specific procedures to protect workers from the unexpected release of electrical energy, and for failing to provide adequate machine guarding for employees working around rotating shafts. 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 serious violations included failing to provide fall protection equipment, training in lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources, training in the use of forklift trucks, and ensuring electrical equipment was approved for use in hazardous locations. 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.

Jarden Home Brands 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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