Government levies $510,000 in fines against NDK Crystal - 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 NDK is looking forward to presenting the pertinent facts and getting the citations rescinded.”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

Press Release: 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

 

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 issues fines to NDK Crystals for explosion - 13 WTHR

 

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

Boone County explores annexation of land with Poplar Grove

 

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

Quinn says lawmakers ‘pretty close’ on budget

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

Metra CEO Phil Pagano Commits Suicide | NBC Chicago

 

Embattled Metra CEO Phil Pagano committed suicide Friday morning, just hours before the agency's board was to meet to discuss his future.

Pagano stood on the tracks in unincorporated Crystal Lake for about five to 10 seconds before the train hit him at around 8 a.m., the train's conductor said, adding that he made eye contact with Pagano before the impact.  There were 24 passengers aboard the train.

"The engineer made a statement to us that he simply saw a person standing in between the rails of the track, looking at the train," said McHenry County Sheriff  Keith Nygren.

Nygren said Pagano left a note indicating his intentions, and reports said investigators found his wallet and a copy of Metra's guidlines on how to handle a stoppage due to a suicide.  

Board members were visibly shaken by the news.

"This is a sad day for Metra," said Jack Partelow, a Metra board member, when asked about reports.

Pagano was placed on administrative leave last week after it was discovered he took an unauthorized $56,000 bonus. The Cook County States Attorney's office said it had launched a criminal probe as well.

Pagano, who has run the agency for 20 years, is paid $269,625 to run the commuter rail service. But sources say he gave himself an extra $56,000 last year. Metra employees don't get bonuses, spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet said.

The Metra board hired a lawyer to investigate the alleged misappropriation. Senator Dick Durbin called for a federal investigation into the bonus. 

Click on the following for more details:  Metra CEO Phil Pagano Commits Suicide | NBC Chicago

“Tax meant for streets "– Chuck Popp’s Letter to Editor

As the former city attorney for Belvidere when the utility tax was adopted, I must dispute the contention of my good friend Mayor Brereton that the money collected was a “rainy day fund.”

Click on the following for the rest of the letter:   Tax meant for streets - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star