OSHA: Safety Violations Found At South Brunswick Companies

The U.S. Department of Labor has found safety violations at two South Brunswick clothing companies that supply some of the nation’s largest apparel retailers, authorities said.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed a total of more than $64,000 in fines to the two companies, which are both at the same location and share management, maintenance employees and safety departments, authorities said.

According to an OSHA news release:

Imagine Screen Printing & Productions LLC, imprints graphic design images onto clothing, including t-shirts and sweatshirts. Central Mills Inc., doing business as Freeze, sorts, packs and distributes the clothing to some of the country’s biggest largest retailers, including Walmart, Macy’s and Target.

Both companies are at 473 Ridge Road in the Dayton section of town.

“The safety and health hazards found in both inspections put workers at risk of being seriously injured or worse, and should be immediately corrected,” Patricia Jones, the director of OSHA’s Avenel Area Office, said in a prepared statement. “Employers are legally responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for employees.”

The initial investigation into Imagine, which began on Oct. 1, was prompted by a complaint that alleged safety and health violations. On Nov. 6, inspectors expanded that inspection to Freeze.

Imagine was cited for 15 serious violations:

• failing to provide and maintain a hearing conservation program for employees who were exposed to excessive noise
• blocked exits
• trip and fall hazards
• failing to train workers about chemical hazards
• failing to provide eyewash facilities
• failing to provide lockout or tagout training for employees who work in an area where energy control devices are used on equipment. That training is designed to safeguard workers from the release of hazardous energy.

Freeze was issued seven serious citations for:

• blocked aisles and exit routes
• energy control deficiencies
• failure to train workers on chemical hazards
• unsecured storage racks
• damaged electrical connections on forklift battery chargers

OSHA has proposed $43,200 in penalties for Imagine, and $21,000 in fines for Freeze. The companies have 15 business days to pay the fines, request a conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings.