OSHA fines Republic Steel $1.1 million

Associated Press

canton

Republic Steel faces more than $1.1 million in federal fines for serious safety violations at its manufacturing plant in Canton.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the company failed to provide workers enough protection from falling off runway girders. Two workers were seriously injured in falls at the site last year.

OSHA also cited the Canton-based company for tripping hazards, lack of protective equipment for employees working around the furnace and using electrical panels not suitable for wet locations. Fifteen of the 24 violations were judged willful — meaning committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law or indifference to employee safety.

The company has 15 days to contest the penalties. A company spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.