Region 7 News Release: 12-2424-MON (SF-247)
Dec. 19, 2012
Contact: Jose A. Carnevali
Phone: 415-625-2631
Email: carnevali.jose@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Fiberglass Structures Inc.
with 12 safety violations for exposing Laurel, Mont., workers to hazards

BILLINGS, Mont. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Fiberglass Structures Inc., a subsidiary of Texas-based L.F. Manufacturing Inc., with 12 serious safety violations for exposing workers to multiple hazards at the company facility in Laurel. OSHA conducted an inspection in August and has proposed $75,600 in penalties.

Fiberglass Structures received one repeat violation for not containing energized wires with covers in a flammable area, which carries a $12,600 penalty. 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. A similar violation was cited at the Waycross, Ga., facility in 2009.

"Something is seriously wrong when an employer repeatedly disregards specific safety standards required to protect workers from serious injuries or death," said Jeff Funke, director of OSHA's Billings Area Office. "Neglecting the safety of workers is simply unacceptable."

Inspectors found 11 serious violations, with a $63,000 penalty, which involve exposing workers to fire and explosion hazards in spray booths; various electrical hazards; improper storage of chemicals; confined space deficiencies; inadequate eyewash facilities; failure to use and require personal protective equipment; and provide adequate training for confined space and personal protective 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.

Fiberglass Structures is a manufacturer of molded composite and Fiberglas-reinforced plastic products. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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 Billings office at 406-247-7494.

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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

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