OSHA opened its investigation at the company following receipt of a formal complaint. OSHA alleges the company committed serious workplace safety violations, including machine guarding issues, electrical hazards and potential fall problems. Serious workplace health violations were alleged for noise, control of wood dust and potential explosion hazards.
OSHA issued alleged willful violations for over-exposures to wood dust and deficiencies in the company's lockout/tagout program to ensure that machinery does not start up accidentally when workers are performing repairs or maintenance.
"Belcino Inc. has had 11 previous OSHA inspections since 1987," said OSHA Area Director Gary Anderson, Calumet City, Ill.. "Continuing problems with machinery lockout hazards and with over-exposure to wood dust must be addressed at this facility to ensure the safety of the roughly 40 men and women working there."
The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
