OSHA Cites Metal Finisher After Employee is Burned Fighting Fire

SYRACUSE, NY -- OSHA has cited a metal finisher for nine serious and three repeat violations of workplace safety standards after an employee was burned at the Anthony River Inc. plant in Syracuse.

"While it is fortunate that no life was lost here, this is a graphic example of the harm that workers and businesses can suffer when basic, common-sense and legally required safeguards are neglected," said Christopher Adams, OSHA's area director in Syracuse.

On Sept. 20, flammable vapors ignited in a storage room holding more than 800 gallons of flammable liquids, and an employee who tried to extinguish the fire sustained first and second degree burns on his hands and arms.

The injury was not life-threatening, but OSHA's inspection identified several safety deficiencies involving the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids, including a lack of ventilation in the storage room.

Additionally, the room was not constructed to meet the National Fire Protection Association's required fire-resistance rating, numerous containers of flammable liquids were open and uncovered, flammable liquids were dispensed without the nozzle and container being electrically bonded, and a lighter was allowed to be ignited in the storage room.

Other serious hazards include a lack of fire extinguisher training, blocked fire extinguisher access, ungrounded electrical equipment, unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals, and uninspected and unrated overhead hoists and lifting devices. The serious violations carry a total of $33,000 in fines. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Proposed penalties total $51,680, and the company is now “working very closely with OSHA to get things straightened out,” said Rick Young, shop manager at Anthony River Inc. “Some of the violations were insignificant,” he said, adding that the injured employee is back at work, and OSHA has “been great” to work with.

The repeat violations, carrying $18,680 in fines, involve hazards similar to those cited against the company by OSHA in 2010 and 2011, including the lack of an operating sprinkler system for a paint spray booth where flammable paint was used, the accumulation of combustible residue on paint spray booths and the use of an extension cord in place of fixed wiring. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

"Hazards can be eliminated by an effective illness and injury prevention program in which management and employees work together to identify and prevent hazardous conditions," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's New York regional administrator.

Anthony River Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.