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.
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