Region 8 News Release: 09-869-DEN
Aug. 11, 2009
Contact: Jeremy Eggers
Phone: 303-844-1299

U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Sinton Dairy Foods Co. LLC in Colorado Springs, Colo., for alleged safety & health violations
More than $50,000 in penalties proposed against the company

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Sinton Dairy Foods Co. LLC in Colorado Springs, Colo., for one alleged willful and four alleged serious violations of federal health and safety standards and has proposed $50,575 in penalties.

"This employer failed to implement basic safety and health protections that are well known in this industry," said John Healy, OSHA's area director in Englewood. "Facilities which use dangerous quantities of hazardous chemicals are required to protect against catastrophic releases."

The alleged willful violation involves failure to follow an established preventive maintenance program for an anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system. OSHA issues a willful violation when an employer exhibits plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

The alleged serious violations address electrical hazards as well as operating and mechanical integrity procedures for ammonia systems. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which an employer knew or should have known.

Sinton Dairy Foods has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Englewood or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.