OSHA cites Clifton scrap metal recycler for serious safety violations

CLIFTON (Scrap Monster): Clifton-based Park Stein Inc., has been asked by US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) authorities to pay penalties exceeding $121,000 for serious safety violations at its metal recycling facility. The news release issued by OSHA states that the inspection conducted at the facility on June 3^rd had found one willful, eight repeat, five serious and two other-than-serious violations.

The inspection report notes that the company exposed its employees to struck-by hazards by failing to maintain front-end loader machines properly. According to them, Park Stein Inc. was spotted for regular use of front-end loader without necessary maintenance, posing threat to life of employees. The incident is a clear indication of the company’s willful lack of disregard for its employees, OSHA added. Lisa Levy, director of OSHA’s Hasbrouck Heights Area Office also noted that inspectors found several violations of OSHA rules which quality the facility to be placed into the Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

The OSHA inspectors also found that the company failed to maintain a proper respiratory program. Also, compressed gas cylinders were not stored in a proper and safe manner, thereby opening up chances of explosions and other hazards.

OSHA has proposed a total penalty of $121,660 for the violations. The scrap metal recycling facility has 15 days from the receipt of the above citations to accept or contest them ore request a meeting with OSHA officials.

Violation of Clean Air Act

It was during last month that Park Stein Inc., which operates Parkway Iron and Metal Co., had reached an agreement with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pay $145,000 as fines and make fresh investment of around $260,000 towards installation of conveyor-belt equipment to control pollution. It must be noted that the inspection conducted at the site had revealed clear violations of Clean Air Act regulations.

According to the settlement, Parkway Iron and Metal Co. had agreed to pay a fine of $145,000. The scrap metal firm has also agreed to comply with the state rules on pollution by ensuring that all refrigerants from appliances are removed at their own cost before recycling.

The settlement also required the facility to ensure that the recovered refrigerants are disposed off in a responsible manner so that they are not released to the atmosphere. Parkway Iron and Metal Co. had also agreed to install a $260,000 baghouse equipment to help reduce the quantity of fine particles and metals released into the air during the shredding and metal sorting process.

Earlier in 2012, OSHA had cited Parkway Iron and Metal for 3 repeat and 16 serious violations at the facility. In response to complaints alleging hazards at the site, OSHA authorities had carried out inspection at the site, following which penalties of $78,000 was levied on the firm. OSHA had then cited that the company had failed to provide proper personal protective equipment and hazard communication training to employees. The same facility was cited by OSHA for similar violations in 2010 also.

About Parkway Iron and Metal Co.

Parkway Iron and Metal also known as Park Stein Inc is a 4th generation family owned & operated Scrap Metal recycling facility located on almost 8 acres in Clifton New Jersey. The facility receives all types of metallic scrap.