US Labor Department's OSHA cites Ifco Systems pallet recycling facility
Machine guarding found lacking at Henderson, Colo., operation

DENVER – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the Ifco Systems pallet recycling facility in Henderson, Colo., with one repeat and five serious citations for improper machine guarding following an inspection. Penalties total $67,765.

"Machine guarding is at the heart of preventing amputation injuries," said Herb Gibson, OSHA's area director in Denver. "Many of these hazards could have been corrected if the employer had an effective safety and health management system, which would identify hazards in the workplace, and reduce the likelihood of injuries and illnesses."

The inspection was initiated under OSHA's site-specific targeting program that focuses on employers with high injury and illness rates. Ifco Systems is an international logistics service provider with more than 210 locations worldwide, including the facility in Henderson.

The repeat citation, with a penalty of $50,000, was issued for failing to provide adequate machine guarding on a bandsaw. A repeat citation is issued when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. OSHA issued similar citations to Ifco Systems facilities located in Smithville, Ohio, on July 12, 2006; Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 5, 2008; and Atlanta, Ga., on Oct. 8, 2010.

The serious citations, with a penalty of $17,765, were issued for failing to develop and implement proper lockout procedures for energy sources; a lack of proper guarding for open-sided floors; a lack of machine guarding on a table saw; and exposing employees to excessive levels of noise. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with the OSHA area director or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Denver Area Office; telephone 303-844-5285. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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