New Jersey Steel Fabrication Company Faces OSHA Violations
The agency has proposed penalties of $348,683 to Kenric Steel LLC.
Federal inspectors cite local steel company for multiple safety violations
OSHA has levied fines totaling $348,683 against Kenric Steel LLC, a New Jersey-based steel fabrication company, following an investigation into the company’s failure to protect employees.
According to a release dated Feb. 20, OSHA’s investigation launched at a facility in Millville, New Jersey, on July 26, 2023 following a complaint. Inspectors identified 11 violations, including four willful and seven serious violations. These include a failure to medically evaluate new employees required to wear respirators, conduct annual inspections of overhead cranes and ensure the proper use of welding screens.
Additionally, Kenric Steel neglected to train new hires on chemical safety, ensure grounding and bonding of spray finishing processes, label containers, maintain safety data sheets for chemicals, and install the correct circuit breakers for operating lights.
“A few months before our inspection, Kenric Steel hired a safety consultant who identified multiple safety and health hazards at the Millville fabrication shop. However, the company failed to correct the hazards, which is unacceptable,” OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey, said in a statement. “Employers are legally obligated to provide a safe and healthful workplace for all workers.”
Kenric Steel then had the option to comply with the citations, request an informal conference with OSHA, or challenge the findings. The company chose to contest the citations on Feb. 7.
