OSHA cites Connecticut mattress recycler for uncorrected violations

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that Recyc-Mattress, an East Hartford, Connecticut, mattress recycling firm, faces a fine of up to $74,000 for failing to provide the agency with information that it had remedied all the hazards cited in a 2015 inspection conducted by the agency.

OSHA began an inspection on Jan. 12, 2016, to verify correction of the hazards. Following the investigation, OSHA’s Hartford office found several instances of uncorrected, recurring and new hazards at the facility. The agency found that the company:

• Did not develop and implement a written hazard communication program to inform employees about hazardous chemical and materials in the workplace, such as battery acid.
• Failed to provide respirator training to employees.
• Allowed mattresses and box springs to obstruct emergency exit access.
• Blocked access to the circuit breaker that provided power to machines in the shop with metal bushings, cardboard and plastic wrap.
• Permitted an emergency exit door to have its handle removed.
• Allowed employees to routinely unjam a shredder without first locking out its power source; the lockout procedures were not clear and specific to the shredder.
• Created electric shock hazards for employees with open junction box.

The conditions led OSHA to cite Recyc-Mattress for failing to abate two hazards and for two repeat and three violations of workplace safety standards.

OSHA has proposed penalties of $74,520.

"Employers have a responsibility to maintain safe and healthful working conditions for their employees and to promptly and effectively correct hazards so they don't recur. They should be aware that OSHA can and does follow up to verify corrective action," says Warren Simpson, OSHA's area director in Hartford. "In this instance, employees were exposed to the risk of electric shock, being caught in a shredder, chemical hazards and being unable to exit the workplace swiftly in the event of a fire or other emergency. Recyc-Mattress Corp. must correct these hazards immediately."

To view the initial complaint, click here. https://www.dol.gov/sites/default/files/newsroom/newsreleases/OSHA20161507b.pdf

Recyc-Mattress Corp. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.