In a Press Release from the US Department of Labor, a major offsite manufacturer faces $272K in fines, a program focused on high injury rate employers.
Here is the main part of that report:
An Austin subsidiary of one of the nation’s largest producers of modular and manufactured homes faces $272,479 in penalties after federal investigators found the company exposing employees to more than two dozen serious violations during an October 2023 inspection.
Investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Cavco Industries Inc., parent company of Palm Harbor Homes, for 25 serious and two other-than-serious violations. Since 2015, OSHA has cited Cavco with 38 workplace safety and health violations at manufacturing facilities in four states.
OSHA initiated the investigations as a planned inspection under the National Emphasis Program Site-Specific Targeting for establishments with high injury rates.
During the inspection, the agency identified the following hazardous conditions:
Lack of required fall protection, exposing workers to safety hazards related to falls.
Improper use of ladders and failure to maintain safe walking surfaces.
Allowing overhead hazards and suspended loads.
Improperly inspected fire extinguishers.
Lack of welding screens.
No safe access to electrical shutoffs and other electrical violations.
In addition, inspectors cited Cavco Industries for more than a dozen health hazards, including failing to maintain respiratory and hazard communication programs to protect workers from isocyanates and silica; not providing employees with personal protective equipment and an eyewash and shower station; and failing to assess silica exposure.
“The findings of our investigations and Cavco Industries’ history of violations suggest that the company is failing in its responsibility to keep work areas safe and healthful,” explained OSHA Area Director Monica Camacho in Austin, Texas. “OSHA has specific standards for the manufacturing industry and provides many resources to inform employers and employees. There is no excuse for these kinds of failures that expose workers to serious and potentially fatal injuries.”
CLICK HERE to read the entire US Dept of Labor PR
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Gary Fleisher is a renowned blogger, consultant, and commentator on construction and housing trends, known for his insightful analysis of the industry.
