Quality Graphics Inc. recently received 13 safety violations from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The violations followed an inspection conducted by the Administration earlier this year. They now face fines of $45,000 for failing to reduce the risks of a work injury in Georgia.”OSHA found numerous serious hazards, some of which involve risk of possible amputations by unguarded equipment and dangers related to improperly maintained forklifts,” said Andre Richards, director of OSHA’s Atlanta-West Area Office. “No business should allow these types of hazards in its workplace.”
Workplace safety conditions have to meet specific federal regulations to avoid possible citations, violations and fines. More importantly, work sites are to meet these regulations to help prevent work injuries and fatalities. Our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys would like to remind workers and employers about these regulations. If you experience an injury on the job, you are urged to contact an experienced attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Quality Graphics Inc. received 12 of these violations for hazards including electrical and tripping deficiencies, along with violations of OSHA’s local emphasis program on forklifts. These forklift violations include allowing employees to operate a forklift truck that had missing and damaged parts, not conducting daily inspections of the forklift truck and not providing training on safe operation of forklift trucks. OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Amputations clearly cites these amputation violations.
The remaining violation was cited with no monetary penalty for not developing a hazard communication program for employees using chemicals capable of causing eye and skin irritation.
The graphics company currently has about 19 workers in Dalton. The company prints graphics designs on carpeting.
OSHA offers companies a free on-site consultation program. The Administration encourages small- and medium-sized companies to take advantage of this program in order to maintain safe and efficient working conditions.
Quality Graphics Inc. has 15 business days to either contest the findings, comply or request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director.
Business and Legal Resources (BLR) offers these safety tips for forklift operators to help keep you safe on the job:
-Be sure to inspect your forklift before every shift.
-Complete training, evaluations and testing before operating a forklift.
-Always wear a seat belt when operating the machinery.
-Never load a forklift with more than its rated capacity.
-Make sure that the load is secure before moving.
-Never allow a person to stand or pass under the forks.
-Place load as far back by the mast as possible.
-Slow down and sound the horn when approaching an intersection if your view may be obstructed.
-Make sure to make all maneuvers slowly and smoothly.
-Slow down on ramps, inclines and grades.
If you have experienced a serious injury at work in the Atlanta area and want to discuss your rights, contact the experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys at J. Franklin Burns. Call 404-920-4708 to make a free appointment to discuss your claim.
