RWD_p014

RT09242015

14 times • SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.timesnewsweekly.com Middle Village factory hit with fines for safety violations BY ROBERT POZARYCKI rpozarycki@ridgewoodtimes.com @robbpoz The Juniper Elbow Co. in Middle Village must pay more than $85,000 to the federal Department of Labor after inspectors recently found more than a dozen safety violations on site, it was announced. The metal products manufacturer founded in 1928 and located at 72-15 Metropolitan Ave. was cited for 15 total violations following an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection on Sept. 9. According to OSHA, inspectors found four hazardous conditions similar to ones previously observed during a 2012 visit, including blocked exit routes, missing or unmounted fire extinguishers, improperly guarded lathes and failure to monitor noise levels. Other hazards discovered during this year’s inspection included a lack of proper egress to the street, an inadequate number of welding screens, an improperly painted sprinkler head; unguarded operating machine parts and no safety training for employees who are exposed to high noise levels. “These conditions exposed employees to possible hearing loss, broken bones, lacerations, amputation, fire, eye injuries and being unable to exit the workplace swiftly and safely in the event of emergency,” OSHA Area Director for Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn Kay Gee said. “The repeated nature of several of these violations is disturbing and unacceptable.” On its website, Juniper Elbow — also known as Juniper Industries — describes itself as being “America’s largest independent manufacturer of Navy standard watertight closures and closure components.” Its products include watertight, weatherproof and ballistic doors; hatches; scuttles; and manholes. When contacted by the Ridgewood Times, a Juniper Elbow representative declined to comment on the matter. RIDGEWOOD TIMES/Photo by Robert Pozarycki The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited the Juniper Elbow Co. in Middle Village for having 15 safety violations at its Metropolitan Avenue site. This ad is ¼ leave it exactly the way it is… thanks… 1 Liter Oktoberfest Steins and 2 Liter Boots Available


RT09242015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above