BIW faces fines for 18 OSHA violations
Bath Iron Works is facing a total of $171,300 in proposed fines from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration for alleged repeat and serious violations of workplace safety violations.
OSHA’s Augusta area office conducted an investigation last autumn and found 18 fall, mechanical and electrical hazards, according to a press release. They include: not posting proper procedures in the maintenance garage to repair tires; floors or platforms with open sides; damaged electrical equipment; workers not using harnesses when working from an aerial lift; an unauthorized employee using a crane; and improper storage of flammable materials. OSHA cited BIW for three alleged repeat violations with $93,500 in fines and 15 serious violations with $77,800 in fines. The repeat violations are similar to tripping and fall hazards cited in 2008.
BIW has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. BIW spokesman Jim DeMartini told The Associated Press the problems have been fixed and the company will seek a meeting to discuss the findings.
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