OSHA Fines Aircraft Parts Manufacturer EDAC Technologies

 

NEWSROOM
 
 
  Bookmark and Share
 
 
 
 

OSHA Fines Aircraft Parts Manufacturer EDAC Technologies

By Daniel Baxter
 
 

July 23, 2010 - Widespread fire, electrical, mechanical and other hazards at a Farmington, Conn., aircraft parts manufacturing plant have resulted in a total $130,050 in proposed fines from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

EDAC Technologies Corp. was cited with 41 alleged serious violations of workplace safety and health standards following a comprehensive OSHA inspection, conducted under a program that targets workplaces with higher than average rates of restricted duty or days away from work due to on-the-job injuries or illnesses.

Specifically, OSHA found that workers were exposed to potential fire and explosion hazards from combustible dust collected in an inadequately designed dust collection system. Several electrical safety deficiencies including unguarded or ungrounded live electrical parts and equipment, and workers not trained in electrical safety related work practices.

 

In addition OSHA found unmarked emergency exits and obstructed exit routes, inadequate precautions against the ignition of flammable vapors, lack of a site-specific lockout tagout energy program, an unapproved boom attachment on a fork truck, damaged and unmarked lifting slings, an incomplete exposure control program, lack of a respiratory protection program, failure to determine employees' exposure levels to hexavalent chromium, and numerous instances of unguarded moving machine parts.

OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known. "The size of these proposed fines reflects the breadth and gravity of conditions identified at this workplace," said Paul Mangiafico, OSHA's acting area director in Hartford. "Left uncorrected, they expose workers to possible death or serious injury from fire and explosion, electrocution, falls, being caught in moving machine parts, crushing, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and being unable to exit the plant swiftly in the event of a fire or other emergency."

 
EDAC Technologies has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Hartford Area Office; telephone 860-240-3152. 

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.

 

 
Other News Stories

 
 
Home Aviation News Aviation Stories Of Interest FAA Exam Upcoming Events Links To Other Sites General Aviation Helicopters Medical Factors Facing Pilots
Maintenance and Aircraft Mechanics Hot Air Balloon Aviation Training Handbooks Read Online Aviation History Legal Issues In Aviation Sea Planes Editorials
 
 ?AvStop Online Magazine                                                                 Contact Us                                                  Return To News                                          Bookmark and Share
 

 

AvStop Aviation News and Resource Online Magazine

Grab this Headline Animator