Federal inspectors found workers are still exposed to falls and machine hazards at a Massillon steel mill operated by Republic Steel, despite the company's promise to address safety hazards at its U.S. steel manufacturing sites, the U.S. Department of Labor stated Wednesday.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued five repeated safety citations to the company on April 26, following an October 29, 2015 inspection and subsequent investigation, according to the Labor Department.
OSHA has proposed $121,000 in penalties as a result.
In a corporate settlement with OSHA in 2014, Republic Steel pledged to address safety and health violations at all its U.S. facilities; this included the companies' Ohio facilities in Massillon, Lorain and Canton, the Labor Department stated.
At the Massillon mill, OSHA reported that inspectors found the employer:
- Failed to provide guard rails on open-sided platforms to prevent falls.
- Did not power down equipment prior to service and maintenance.
- Failed to follow machine safety procedures such as guards and locks to prevent sudden operation during service and maintenance.
- Allowed machines to operate without adequate guarding.
- Permitted sprocket wheels and chains to be left exposed.
The Labor Department has given Republic Steel, which is based in Canton, 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or to contest the findings.
