NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Royal Aluminum Co. Inc., a vinyl window manufacturer, for 18 alleged safety and health violations, including three repeat, at its Newark facility. Proposed penalties total $57,400 following OSHA's inspection that was opened in June in response to a complaint alleging the hazards.

Three repeat violations, with $11,200 in penalties, were cited due to the company's failure to implement a hearing conservation program for workers exposed to noise above 85 decibels, implement a written hazard communication program for workers using hazardous chemicals, and train workers on the hazards of the chemicals involved in their duties. Similar violations were cited in 2010. 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.

Fourteen serious violations, with $45,500 in penalties, include the company's failure to label containers of hazardous chemicals, provide lavatories with hand soap, keep exit routes free and unobstructed, and post exit signs. They also include providing workers with the appropriate eye or face protection when required, take powered industrial trucks out of service when determined to be in unsafe operating condition, use permanent wiring to power a 120-volt light switch, and effectively close unused openings in electrical boxes. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

The company also was cited for one other-than-serious violation, carrying a $700 penalty, for failing to properly complete the OSHA 300 log. An other-than-serious citation is issued when a violation has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

"This company is aware of the necessary corrections that must be in place based on its previous OSHA citations, but failed to comply at the expense of protecting its workers," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Parsippany Area Office. "Employers are responsible for ensuring safe and healthful workplaces and will be held accountable when they fail to do so."

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Parsippany, or contest the citations and proposed penalties 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 area office in Parsippany at 973-263-1003.

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 exist 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: U.S. Department of Labor