OSHA opened an investigation at Rexnord Industries in September after receiving a complaint alleging workplace hazards regarding indoor air quality and personal protective equipment.
After conducting an investigation, OSHA inspectors found that the company allegedly lacked protective guarding on mechanical presses and chain and sprocket equipment. According to OSHA, the company also failed to follow lockout and tagging procedures for machines and lacked mechanical power-press inspections.
Rexnord Industries was cited for three alleged serious health violations: lack of employee personal protective equipment during exposure to cutting fluids, lack of proper labeling on hazardous chemicals and blocked space around electrical panels. The company also also was cited for aisles allegedly not being adequately marked.
“OSHA will do all it can to find safety and health hazards in the workplace and insist they be corrected,” said Nick Antonio, OSHA's acting area director in Milwaukee. “These are among the best services we can perform for working men and women.”
In the past, Rexnord Industries' West Milwaukee facility has been inspected by OSHA 24 times and has received 71 safety and health citations, according to the agency.
Rexnord also is the parent company of Falk Corp., whose facility near downtown Milwaukee experienced a propane explosion in December that killed three workers and injured 45 others.
A call made to Rexnord Industries was not immediately returned.