The employer knowingly operated high pressure vessels even after being warned of the potential for a catastrophic failure due to material design and fabrication defects," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels, in a news release.
Click on the following for more details: IndustryWeek : OSHA Fines NDK Crystals $510,000 Following Explosion That Killed Bystander
The sheriff’s annual salary is $114,395, and the clerk and treasurer are both paid $81,868. Their salaries — which were initially supposed to be adjusted with an annual cost-of-living increase — will remain the same for the next four years.
“I really wasn’t surprised how it went,” said Tom Owens, R-1. “You really only had one person pushing it.”
Click on the following for more details: Winnebago County Board freezes 3 salaries, some bonuses cut - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
We are aware of the citations issued by OSHA,” Hennessy said. “NDK strongly disagrees with OSHA’s initial determinations. The facts will show we responded in a responsible manner and will not support OSHAs initial findings. NDK is looking forward to presenting the pertinent facts and getting the citations rescinded.”
The company has 15 business days to respond to the government’s claims.
Click on the following for more details: Government levies $510,000 in fines against NDK Crystal - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
The Labor Department spelled Belvidere incorrectly but the fines may still stick.
BELVEDERE, Ill. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited NDK Crystals Inc. in Belvedere with fines of $510,000 for alleged egregious willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards following an explosion at the company's crystal manufacturing building that took the life of a truck driver parked at a nearby service station. Workers at this facility were exposed to hazards that created a dangerous environment.
"The employer knowingly operated high pressure vessels even after being warned of the potential for a catastrophic failure due to material design and fabrication defects," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. "This simply is unacceptable, and OSHA will use the full extent of the law to ensure the company is held accountable for its actions."
Following its investigation, OSHA cited NDK Crystals with seven willful and five serious violations. The willful violations, one for each of seven individual high pressure vessels, involved the company's continued operation of these high quality quartz production vessels even though it knew the vessels were susceptible to explosion and catastrophic failure as a result of defective design and fabrication. Willful violations are those committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for legal requirements, or plain indifference to employee safety and health.
The serious violations include failing to evaluate the building for a catastrophic event; failing to have an emergency evacuation program; failing to implement a hazard communication program; and a lack of personal protective equipment assessment and training certification. An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm can result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed 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. To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
This article is taken from: 2010 - 05/27/2010 - US Labor Department's OSHA issues NDK Crystals egregious willful and serious citations following investigation into explosion that killed bystander Belvedere, Ill., crystal manufacturer fined $510,000
OSHA on Thursday announced fines of $510,000 against NDK for failing to evaluate the building for a catastrophic event and failing to have an emergency evacuation program, among other violations.
Click on the following for more details: OSHA issues fines to NDK Crystals for explosion - 13 WTHR
issue was introduced by Marshall Newhouse at last Wednesday’s meeting under the agenda item of Roads and Capital Improvements. Newhouse said the idea was proposed by Poplar Grove Mayor Brad Rightnowar, who suggested the county consider entering into an annexation agreement with Poplar Grove for development of the property. Newhouse stressed that there was no specific development or buyer at this point, but that looking down the road, Rightnowar thought this might be an idea worth exploring.
item was on the agenda for discussion only (and not up for formal action), but asked if he could get a consensus from the board to see if further discussions would be productive. Six members – Cathy Ward, Kathy Hartwig, Mattison, Ken Freeman, Peggy Malone and Glass – raised their hands indicating they aren’t interested in further discussions
Click on the following for more details: The Belvidere Daily Republican. - County explores annexation of land with Poplar Grove
Gov. Pat Quinn said Saturday that lawmakers are “pretty close” to passing a new state budget, but offered no explanation for his optimism or even why he now backs a budget that rejects his top legislative priority: a tax increase.
After May 31, passing a budget would require a super-majority, meaning the Democratic majority would need some Republican votes to take action. The most important date is June 30, when the current budget expires.
Click on the following for more details: Quinn says lawmakers ‘pretty close’ on budget - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register
