N.J. Manufacturer Faces More Than $435K in Penalties for Workplace Safety Failures

New Jersey plastics manufacturer Douglas Stephen Plastics Inc. has been cited for exposing employees to safety and health hazards at its Paterson, N.J., facility. It faces penalties of $435,679.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed the penalties after an investigation.

OSHA inspected the plastics manufacturer on Oct. 2, 2017. The investigation was conducted in response to a complaint alleging unsafe workplace hazards and imminent danger conditions from blocked emergency exits.

In addition to the investigation, a health inspection was also conducted on Oct. 11, 2017, after an inspector’s initial readings indicated employee exposure to excessive noise levels.

Following the inspections, OSHA cited the employer for failing to administer a hearing conservation program, exposing employees to amputations, electric shock and burns, allowing employees to use equipment without proper guarding, failing to control hazardous energy and failing to train powered industrial truck operators.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.