NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. –– The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Complete Liquidations, doing business as The Furniture Exchange, with four repeat and 13 serious violations at the company’s warehouse in New Brunswick. OSHA’s July investigation began in response to a complaint, and resulted in proposed penalties totaling $71,280.

The repeat violations, with a $41,580 penalty, include: failure to provide adequate work space near electrical equipment, maintain exit routes free of obstructions, keep spray booths free from storage, and label hazardous chemicals. The company was cited for the same violations in June 2012. 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.

The serious violations, carrying $29,700 in penalties, include failure to:

• Address hazards related to emergency exit routes and signs.
• Maintain an emergency action plan, the use and maintenance of fire extinguishers, and housekeeping.
• Complete a workplace hazard assessment.
• Provide personal protective equipment and an eye wash station.
• Train workers on the hazards of their workplace chemicals.
• Provide training and conduct medical evaluations for employees required to use respirators.

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.

“These safety and health hazards continue to pose serious risks to employees and should be immediately addressed to prevent worker injuries,” said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA’s Avenel Area Office. “Employers are responsible for ensuring safe and healthful workplaces and will be held legally accountable when they fail to do so.”

The company has 15 days from receipt of the citation and proposed penalty to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Avenel, or contest the finding 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 Avenel office at 732-750-3270.

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 www.osha.gov.

Source: U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration