Flooring manufacturer cited for serious worker hazards

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a New York custom hardwood flooring manufacturer and proposed penalties totaling $182,917 for willful and serious violations of workplace safety and health standards.

OSHA cited Fulton, New York-based Timberline Hardwood Floors L.L.C. for failing to implement lockout/tagout procedures to prevent machines from unintentionally starting, adequately train forklift operators, repair exposed electrical circuits and develop hearing conservation and chemical hazard communication programs, according to a statement published on Tuesday. The agency also cited the company for allowing locked emergency exits, unguarded machines and unlabeled hazardous materials and chemicals.

"During this inspection, OSHA identified serious hazards that posed a threat to workers' safety and health," Jeffrey Prebish, OSHA Syracuse, New York, area office assistant director, said in the statement. "Unfortunately, Timberline Hardwood Floors L.L.C. ignored its obligation to protect employees from these well-known issues."

A company spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.