OSHA Issues Citations to AK Steel
10/07/2010 - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued AK Steel five willful and three other-than-serious citations for failing to record occupational injuries at its Middletown facility. The company is facing proposed penalties of $53,000.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued AK Steel Corp. five willful and three other-than-serious citations for failing to record occupational injuries at its Middletown facility. The company is facing proposed penalties of $53,000.
The alleged violations followed a seven-month inspection by OSHA that took place at the plant from January 12, 2010, to August 11, 2010, under OSHA's Local Emphasis Program for primary metal producers. AK Steel has responded to the allegations by OSHA.
"Safety is AK Steel's highest priority, and our record accurately reflects our unwavering commitment to workplace safety,” said James L. Wainscott, Chairman, President and CEO of AK Steel. “To the extent OSHA alleges errors in even a very small percentage of our records, we absolutely disagree and we will vigorously defend our position."
During the course of the on-site investigation, which involved three OSHA compliance officers, as well as a physician from the Department of Labor, AK Steel says it provided nearly four years' worth of safety and health records.
OSHA alleges that 13 Middletown Works employees experienced work-related hearing losses, and that AK Steel failed to properly record several work-related injuries as ones involving restricted work.
"AK Steel has implemented policies where a portion of its managers' bonus money often involves taking disciplinary action against workers for reporting injuries," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. "If accurate records are not compiled because workers believe they will be fired or disciplined for reporting an injury, or supervisors fear they will lose their bonuses if workers report injuries, real safety is not being achieved. Accurate workplace injury and illness records are vital tools for identifying hazards and protecting workers' health and safety."
AK Steel's facilities have been inspected more than 138 times and have received 496 citations from OSHA since 1972. The company, which is headquartered in West Chester, Ohio, was cited in 2008 for recordkeeping violations at its Coshocton, Ohio, facility. AK Steel also operates facilities in Mansfield and Zanesville, Ohio, as well as Ashland, Ky., Butler, Pa., and Rockport, Ind.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.
AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steels, primarily for automotive, appliance, construction and electrical power generation and distribution markets. The company employs about 6200 men and women. AK Tube LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of AK Steel, employs about 300 men and women in plants in Walbridge, Ohio, and Columbus, Ind. AK Tube produces carbon and stainless electric resistance welded (ERW) tubular steel products for truck, automotive and other markets.
