US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Lexington, Miss., manufacturer
with 40 safety and health violations, $60,000 in proposed penalties

LEXINGTON, Miss. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Lexington Homes Inc. in Lexington with 40 safety and health violations. Penalties total $60,076.

OSHA opened a health inspection in April under its National Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping, but after observing numerous safety violations it was expanded to a complete inspection of the facility.

The company is being cited for 32 serious safety violations with $54,826 in proposed penalties. The violations are associated with failing to install guardrails along open platforms; failing to train workers on lockout/tagout procedures regarding energy sources; failing to conduct periodic inspections of crane, crane hook and hoist chains; permitting oxygen and fuel gas cylinders to be stored together; and electrical deficiencies.

A separate health inspection revealed four serious violations with $5,250 in proposed penalties. They include hazards related to an unused opening in an electrical box that was not closed, failing to establish an effective hearing program and failing to implement a written hazard communication program to address labeling and hazard training. Serious citations are issued 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.

The company is also being cited with one safety and three health other-than-serious violations with no proposed penalties. These violations include failing to post a copy of the Appendix D standards for respirators, allowing an employee to use an unapproved respirator and failing to post the floor load rating over the maintenance shop.

"There is no excuse for a company to disregard the safety and welfare of its workers by not following OSHA safety and health standards," said Clyde Payne, OSHA's area director in Jackson, Miss.

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 staff from OSHA's Jackson Office, 3780 Interstate 55 N., Suite 210, Jackson, MS 39211; telephone 601-965-4606. To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (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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