Kolek Woodshop Inc. shows a ‘blatant disregard' for
worker safety
TARENTUM, Pa. — Kolek Woodshop Inc., of Creighton, was
cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration for willfully exposing the second worker to preventable electrical hazards. OSHA identified one willful
violation because Kolek exposed the second employee to the same hazards after
the fatality. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or
voluntary disregard for the law's requirement, or with plain indifference to
employee safety and health. The company also failed to report the fatality to OSHA.
"The blatant disregard for worker safety
demonstrated is horrifying and completely despicable. This company's failure to
implement basic safeguards resulted in tragedy," said Christopher
Robinson, director of OSHA's Pittsburgh Area Office. "Kolek's willingness
to expose another person's life to the same dangers just 72 hours after the
first fatality is alarming. Employers must provide a safe and healthful
workplace, and OSHA will hold them accountable if they do not."
OSHA investigators determined that the employer provided
workers with a ladder without nonconductive side rails. The ladder then contacted
power lines, which resulted in the fatality. They also concluded that the
company erected an aluminum scaffold too close to a 7,200-volt power line;
exposed roofing workers removing shingles to fall hazards; and failed to train employees.
These conditions resulted in four alleged serious violations. 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.
Kolek faces penalties of $67,900 and has 15 business days
from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet informally
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 Pittsburgh Area Office at
412-395-4903.
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.
Source: OSHA.gov
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