The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined transport company Dana Container for several violations of workplace safety at a facility in Paulsboro, New Jersey.
OSHA issued the fine of $437,860 to Dana Container on 31 January, following an investigation initiated last year after an employee complained about alleged health and safety deficiencies.
Dana Companies offers chemical and bulk transport services, leases intermediate bulk containers and provides cleaning services for transport equipment.
OSHA cited the company for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards, including a serious failure to develop a written hazard communication programme and willfully having no safety data sheet in the workplace for each hazardous chemical being used, including products for cleaning tanks.
In addition, there were three repeat violations:
- for neglecting to provide medical evaluations for employees who were required to use respirators in the workplace. Dana Railcar, a division of Dana Container was previously cited for this in 2021;
- for failing to maintain emergency eye washing stations. Dana Transport was previously cited for this in 2023; and
- not updating labels on containers of hazardous chemicals. Dana Transport was cited for this in 2023.
OSHA area office director Paula Dixon-Roderick said: "Dana Container continues to jeopardise the well-being of its workers by repeatedly disregarding federal safety and health laws and standards. The company must address these violations immediately to fulfil its legal obligation to provide a safe and healthful workplace."
An OSHA spokesperson said that Dana Container is currently in settlement discussions with the agency.
Dana Companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment.