03/24/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/24/2023 09:15
March 24, 2023
OSHA proposes $198K in penalties for willful, serious violations by PRIDE Industries
FORT CAMPBELL, KY - A federal workplace safety inspection of a lawn service contractors' operations at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, has found the company ignored safety requirements to save time, including removing safety guards on industrial lawnmowers.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined PRIDE Industries - a Roseville, California, contractor employed at the base - willfully allowed workers to operate zero-turn radius mowers without belt guards installed. OSHA inspectors identified serious violations as follows:
OSHA proposed $198,667 in penalties following its inspection on Sept. 9, 2022.
"Violations like those found in this inspection show the company's disregard for their workers' safety," said OSHA Area Office Director William Cochran in Nashville, Tennessee. "Their failure to follow established safety standards needlessly exposed workers to potentially dangerous and fatal hazards."
Founded in 1966, PRIDE Industries was established to provide employment for young adults with developmental disabilities. Today, the company is one of the nation's leading employers of people with disabilities with operations in 15 states and the District of Columbia.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the penalties and citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Visit OSHA's website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA's compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.
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Media Contacts:
Erika B. Ruthman, 678-237-0630, [email protected]
Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, [email protected]
Release Number: 22-499-ATL (109)