US Labor Department's OSHA proposes $90,000 fine against wood furniture manufacturer in Buena Vista, Ga., for failing to correct previous hazard

BUENA VISTA, Ga. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing $90,000 in fines against Baby's Dream Furniture of Buena Vista, for allegedly failing to correct a serious workplace violation. The company manufactures wood household furniture.

During an inspection at the plant in May, OSHA found the employer failed to conduct training or evaluations for workers operating propane-propelled forklift trucks in the company's warehouse. This hazard had been identified as a violation during a November 2009 OSHA inspection.

"OSHA will not tolerate or ignore the company's failure to provide a safe workplace for its workers," said Andre Richards, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office, 2400 Herodian Way, Suite 250, Smyrna, Ga., 30080; telephone 770-984-8700. To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742.

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 assure 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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