Gainesville Chemical Plant Cited $90K for OSHA Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Kittrich Corporation, operating as Avenger Products LLC, for exposing employees to amputation, fire, and electrical hazards at the company’s Gainesville, Georgia, facility.

The pesticide and agricultural chemical manufacturer faces $90,801 in penalties.

OSHA cited the employer for a number of violations, including not following lockout/tagout safety procedures during maintenance activities to prevent machines from unexpectedly starting; exposing workers to electrical hazards by not labeling breakers and electrical panels; and storing flammable chemicals improperly.

OSHA also cited the company for failing to provide proper hand protection; update and make safety data sheets accessible to employees working with chemicals; and failing to train employees on how to use portable fire extinguishers.

OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy webpage provides information and resources on protecting employees from injuries when servicing machines or equipment.

Additionally, OSHA’s Controlling Electrical Hazards booklet provides an information on how to correct electrical safety hazards in the workplace.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.