OSHA Cites AFL Web Printing, Proposes $170K in Penalties

VOORHEES, NJ—July 19, 2011—The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited AFL Quality, doing business as AFL Web Printing, for one willful, two repeat, 15 serious and eight other-than-serious safety and health violations following a February inspection at its Voorhees, NJ, facility. Proposed penalties total $170,000.

The willful violation was cited for failing to provide proper machine guarding to protect workers. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

The repeat violations involve failing to ensure listed or labeled equipment was used in accordance with instructions, and to conduct a periodic inspection of lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources to safeguard workers from the unexpected startup of machinery during servicing or maintenance. The company was cited for the same violations in 2009. 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.

Some of the serious violations include failing to properly post exit signs; properly store gas containers; conduct a personal protective equipment hazard assessment; provide employees with chemical resistant gloves, safety goggles and face shields; provide fire extinguisher training; ensure machines were securely anchored; develop lockout/tagout procedures; conduct monthly and annual inspections of equipment; remove damaged or defective items; close unused junction box openings; and provide a cover or faceplate for junction boxes. 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.

The other-than-serious violations involve failing to properly label chemical containers; create a summary of illness and injury logs, and complete these logs in detail; record the injury of a temporary worker; and maintain a separate OSHA Form 300, the log of work-related injuries and illnesses, for each establishment. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

“AFL Web Printing is unnecessarily putting its workers at risk of serious injury and possible death,” said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA’s Marlton Area Office. “OSHA will continue its efforts to hold this company responsible for failing to comply with federal laws.”

AFL Web Printing, which has 260 employees, provides web printing, finishing and circulation services for publishers.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA’s Marlton office; telephone 856-596-5200. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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 www.osha.gov.

Source: OSHA.