Washington Cabinet Shop Fined $187K for Safety Violations

A Ridgefield, Washington cabinet company has been cited for numerous safety violations including unguarded saw blades, spraying flammable glue next to ignition sources and not taking steps to lock down dangerous machinery.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries cited and fined CommCaseworks Inc. $187,000 after inspectors found the company had not fixed the same safety problems that resulted in similar citations in 2019.

CommCaseworks manufactures custom commercial cabinetry and solid surfaces for offices, retail and restaurants.

During an inspection of the shop last year, workers reportedly told L&I inspectors they used three different table saws with missing guards. They also performed maintenance on machines without making sure the equipment could not accidentally turn on, according to L&I.

Inspectors also reportedly found workers had been spraying a flammable glue just feet away from electrical ignition sources. There were no controls in place for keeping workers safe from chemicals in the glue, according to L&I.

The inspection also reportedly found the owner did not fix the hazards found in the previous inspection. As a result, L&I placed red tags on the equipment, issued an order of immediate restraint shutting down work at the site for as long as the problems are present, and when the company initially disregarded the order, the agency got a court order to stop the spraying of dangerous chemicals.

The company came into compliance over the course of four follow-up visits after the initial inspection, so the orders and red tags were removed, according to L&I.

CommCaseworks was cited for 11 willful serious, one willful general, three serious and seven general violations. The company was fined $67,572 for violating safety rules including workers using unguarded table saws and red-tagged equipment, not using energy control procedures and lack of training.

Additionally, CommCaseworks was fined $119,524 for violations related to spray finishing operations including lack of mechanical ventilation, no emergency eyewash stations, not using eye protection, and violating an OIR twice.

The company is appealing both citations.