Cardell Cabinetry Cited for 29 ComDust, OSHA Violations
Hilco Auctioning Cardell Cabinetry Machinery Dec. 9, 2013

Cardell Cabinetry Cited for 29 ComDust, OSHA ViolationsSAN ANTONIO, TX – Cardell Cabinetry LLC has been cited for combustible dust and other safety and health violations by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The semi-custom cabinet company faces a penalty of $267,434 for 29 violations at the San Antonio, TX, facility.

OSHA said the February inspection was done as a follow-up and also the result of a complaint. Cardell had been cited in 2012 for combustible dust and other safey and health violations. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to either comply, request an informal meeting with the San Antonio area OSHA director or contest the charges before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Cardell faces penalties of $99,000 for the repeat failure to "remove combustible wood dust, cover electrical boxes and reduce the pressure of compressed air." The repeated failure to remove wood dust from the parts mill area is a $34,034 penalty for the failure-to-abate violation.

There were 24 additional health and safety violations resulting in a penalty of $134,400. These include: "failing to provide adequate guarding on machinery; ensure electrical knockouts were covered; provide required personal protective equipment; administer audiometric exams to affected workers; lockout or tagout energy sources; ensure loads were secured and stable to prevent shifting; and provide an effective hearing conservation program."

"The sizable penalties proposed here reflect the severity of the various hazardous conditions found at this facility, including the accumulation of combustible dust that can lead to a needless catastrophic incident," Kelly Knighton, director of OSHA's San Antonio Area Office, said in a statement. "The fact that such an incident has not occurred does not absolve Cardell Cabinetry of its responsibility to find and eliminate hazards that could endanger workers' lives."

Cardell Cabinetry employs approximately 1,100 workers on facilities in San Antonio and El Campo, TX.

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