Plano, Tx.- based Hilti Inc. is facing $164,802 in penalties after OSHA discovered numerous safety violations following a forklift accident.
Agency investigators found the hardware merchant wholesaler exposed workers to struck-by hazards after an employee was injured while operating a forklift at a distribution center in Atlanta.
“Developing, implementing, and maintaining a safety and health program, and ensuring safety standards are followed can significantly reduce the chance of unfortunate incidents such as this one,” said OSHA Atlanta-East Area Director William Fulcher.
OSHA inspectors determined that Hilti failed to provide forklift operator training and instructions to employees operating the vehicles, and ensure that employees performed daily forklift inspections.
The company also exposed employees to corrosive materials; failed to provide eyewash stations and showers in the work area; failed to develop a written hazard communication program and data sheets for forklift battery electrolytes; and failed to notify OSHA within 24 hours of any incident that leads to a worker's hospitalization.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings.