MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ohio — An Ohio auto parts manufacturer found themselves in hot water with the United States Labor Department.
According to a release, Woodbridge Englewood Inc. in Clayton, Ohio was cited for exposing workers to fires and failing to train them on initial stage fire identification and use of fire extinguishers after federal safety investigators received a referral from a local fire department that responded to 13 fires at the auto parts manufacturer in a two-year period.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the was penalized for one willful and nine serious safety violations and proposed penalties of $271,403.
OSHA found the polyethylene material Hematite heats to create molten plastic for automotive parts catches fire in the ovens. The material is easily ignited, even by static, and difficult to suppress or put out when a fire occurs. Between June 2020 and June 2022, Hematite had 13 fires at its facility. Employees used portable fire extinguishers until they extinguished fires or until the fire sprinkler system was activated.
“Our inspectors found Hematite’s management preferred that workers combat fires with extinguishers, lessening repair costs and production time, rather than allowing sprinklers to activate. This practice endangered workers,” explained OSHA Area Director Ken Montgomery in Cincinnati. “The company must immediately review its emergency action plans and the process for storing and handling flammable materials. Incorporating training and protective measures will help minimize fires and protect workers on the job.”
OSHA has specific guidance on the implementation of emergency action plans.
Woodbridge employs more than 7,500 workers in over 50 locations across 10 countries.
The company provides material technologies for applications in automotive, commercial, recreational, packaging, health care and building products.
Officials say the manufacturer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with each of OSHA’s area directors, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.