OSHA cites pallet manufacturer for dust exposure

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has again cited Avid Pallet Services LLC after a recent follow-up inspection found employees continued to be exposed to wood dust. The company faces penalties of $188,302 for repeated, serious and other-than-serious safety and health violations.

Inspectors determined that the Beloit, Wisconsin, pallet manufacturer failed to implement sufficient engineering controls to limit dust exposure, as well as train employees on the health hazards of wood dust. OSHA had previously cited the company for these hazards in 2016. Additional citations were issued after the follow-up inspection for failing to: evaluate respiratory hazards; medically evaluate and fit test employees using respirators; inform employees of their right to see exposure records; and use adequate machine guarding on band saws.

“Employers are legally required to ensure that exposures to dust are properly evaluated and managed to protect employees from potential health hazards,” says OSHA’s Madison Area Office Director Chad Greenwood.

The OSHA woodworking eTool webpage has information on evaluating exposure, exposure limits and effective exposure prevention programs.

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