OSHA Cites Newark Company For Almost 30 ‘Serious’ Safety Violations

Newark, NJ – A Newark company has been cited for allegedly having almost 30 “serious” safety violations at its Ferry Street location, authorities said.

The Bennett Heat Treating and Brazing Co. received the citations for allegedly exposing employees to 9-foot falls, improperly storing compressed gases, having multiple electrical hazards and using corrosive chemicals without a proper decontamination shower, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Bennett also allegedly failed to properly label anhydrous ammonia and provide employees handling the gas with proper personal protective equipment, labeling, and emergency showers, OSHA officials stated.

The inspection was conducted in January as part of the agency’s “Health-High-Hazard Top 50 Local Emphasis Program,” which addresses health hazards identified from previous OSHA inspection health history data.

“Bennett Heat Treating and Brazing Co. failed to follow required safety and health standards intended to protect its employees by preventing serious work-related injuries, long-term illnesses or worse,” said Brian Flynn, acting director at OSHA’s Parsippany Area Office. “Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace deaths and the improper use of compressed gases and chemicals can lead to disaster if not addressed. This employer must immediately address the hazards we identified.”

OSHA proposed penalties of $87,500 for the company, the agency stated.

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