The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Pleasantville, New Jersey-based Paris Produce, Inc. for failing to correct workplace hazards identified during an August 2017 investigation. The company faces $236,089 in penalties.
OSHA initiated a follow-up inspection in January 2019, after Paris Produce Inc. failed to respond to the previous citations. During the follow-up visit, OSHA inspectors found two failure-to-abate violations for allowing employees to operate forklifts without proper training, and failing to develop and implement a hazard communication program for employees using chemicals for cleaning and sanitation. Inspectors also identified two repeat violations involving blocked exits and failing to train employees on hazardous chemicals.
“By failing to fix previously cited hazards, Paris Produce continues to expose employees to preventable workplace safety and health hazards, which is unacceptable,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick, in Marlton, New Jersey.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Commission.
