The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited International Truck and Engine Corporation in Melrose Park, Ill., for multiple alleged willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety and health standards. The agency has proposed $159,500 in fines.
As a result of an inspection initiated in February, OSHA has issued citations for two willful violations with penalties totaling $125,000. OSHA also has cited the company for nine serious violations with a $34,500 fine.
The willful violations address the hazards of live electrical parts on 480-volt electrical panels that were not guarded against accidental contact. In addition, the company lacked appropriate energy control procedures clearly outlined for securing machines for proper lockout/tagout procedures, which are intended to prevent unintended machine startup. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.
Some of the serious violations address hazards associated with improper or lack of machine guarding, damaged electrical panels, improper use of electrical equipment, improper use of powered industrial vehicles and lack of proper housekeeping within the workspaces. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
"These violations should not exist at any worksite," said Diane Turek, director of OSHA's Chicago North area office in Des Plaines, Ill. "They are problems that can be avoided if an employer is dedicated to protecting employees. Employers must remain dedicated to keeping the workplace safe and healthful or face close scrutiny by this agency."
International Truck and Engine manufactures truck and tractor engines and has approximately 10,000 employees corporate-wide and 1,450 employees in Melrose Park. OSHA has inspected this location six times in the past, resulting in several violations. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to request and participate in an informal conference with OSHA or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.