Manufacturer fined over $235,000 for repeat safety violations

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed $235,879 in fines for an Ohio casting and foundry facility after the agency found machine and fall hazards during a follow-up inspection.

OSHA cited Wilmerding, Pennsylvania-based SanCasT with three repeated and four serious safety violations at its Coshocton plant, according to a statement on Wednesday. The agency said it cited the company for similar violations in 2013 and 2014.

SanCasT, a subsidiary of Wilmerding-based Wabtec Corp., manufactures parts and equipment for locomotives, freight cars and passenger transit vehicles.

OSHA said investigators found SanCasT failed to develop, implement and periodically inspect adequate lock-out/tag-out procedures; exposed workers to live electrical contacts; did not install machine guards; and exposed workers to fall hazards because guardrails lacked a top rail and floor holes were not covered.

“Companies cited repeatedly for the same safety violations demonstrate a lack of concern for employee safety,” said Larry Johnson, OSHA’s Columbus, Ohio area director, in a statement. “Manufacturing facilities need to take a hard look at machinery operations, guarding and safety training to protect employees from injuries on the job.”

Representatives from SanCasT could not immediately be reached for comment.