OSHA fines Florida company for safety violations in association with fatal accident

In action taken last week, OSHA fined Gencor Industries, an Orlando based manufacturer of asphalt production equipment, $68,400 for a fatal accident that occurred when an overhead hoisting hook and plate clamp failed and caused the unsupported metal to fall and pin an employee against a cylinder.

"This tragic event could have been prevented if the company had followed required safety rules and inspected the lifting equipment daily for signs of fatigue," said Les Grove, OSHA's Tampa area director.

OSHA cited the company for failing to inspect slings and fastenings each day for damage and defects; keep employees clear of suspended loads; and assure that slings were securely attached to loads.

In all, the company received 28 serious citations. Other alleged safety violations included: failing to provide employees with eye protection during cutting and welding operations and fall protection while working in aerial baskets at heights 10 to 14 feet above ground; exposing workers to amputations from unguarded machinery and electrocutions from damaged or improperly installed electrical equipment; and failing to implement lockout-tagout procedures to ensure that energized equipment was rendered inoperable during servicing and repair.

The company has 15 working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the OSHA Review Commission.