The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has

cited Mezger Enterprises Ltd. For 27 safety and health violations. These violations come in

response to a March 2014 health inspection, which was part of the Regional Emphasis Program

for Noise in the Austin area, which means it was an unsolicited audit. Based upon the findings, a

referral for a complete audit was submitted, and the full audit uncovered 2 willful violations, 23

serious violations, and 2 other violations. These violations carry proposed penalties of $234,900.

“Employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful working environments, and this

inspection found Mezger Enterprises woefully short in meeting their responsibilities,” said

Casey Perkins, OSHA’s area director in Austin. “Failing to inspect cranes, maintain electrical

equipment in a safe condition, guard cutting machines and ensure hearing protection for workers

is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

The two willful violations related to hearing tests, which was part of the original Regional

Emphasis for Noise. These violations carried $126,900 in fines. The other 25 violations were for

failure to provide proper sanitation, guard machines, inspect cranes and repair electrical hazards.

These violations carry $108,900 in fines.

If you are in the greater Austin area, it is imperative that you ensure your hearing loss and noise

program is completely up to date. Because if it is not, as you can see, it can open you up to a full

audit that can cost your company dearly in fines.

If you have not recently updated your hearing loss and noise program, or if you have any

questions about any other OSHA related issues you have, please contact us. If you have anything

to add about the importance of up to date safety procedures, please leave a comment.