OSHA tags penalties on Salem company

Staff report

SALEM

A federal agency has cited the metal fabrication firm Metal & Wire Products Co. for 25 safety and health violations at its Salem facility, totaling $72,800 in proposed penalties.

U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an inspection Jan. 15 of the site at 1239 Salem Parkway after receiving an anonymous complaint about safety conditions.

OSHA found 21 serious violations, meaning that death or serious injury could result from the hazards. Most involved a lack of training and inadequate safeguards on machines, said department spokeswoman Rhonda Burke. Four were considered “other than serious.”

The company was notified of the citations late last week, and it has 15 business days to comply, to request an informal conference with the agency, or to contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety & Health Review Commission.

Metal & Wire had not responded as of Wednesday, Burke said.

In an informal conference, the company could have its fines reduced if it is able to show that it had taken steps to address the dangers OSHA found during its inspection.

If it chooses to contest the citations, the company would open up a legal battle that could result in a settlement or in some violations being dropped.

Metal & Wire, which also operates a facility in South Carolina, did not return requests to comment Wednesday.