Severe Violator Enforcement Program Nabs Pandrol USA

Severe Violator Enforcement Program tags Pandrol for multiple willful violations.OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program has a new member. Pandrol USA has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with 25 safety and health violations including 3 willful violations. OSHA’s inspection was initiated because of complaints regarding alleged hazards. Pandrol USA’s penalties total $238,500. The company has fifteen business days to dispute OSHA’s findings.

According to the company’s official website, Pandrol USA is a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of resilient rail fastening systems. Located in Bridgeport, New Jersey, Pandrol is connected to a 12 country network of operating companies and manufacturing facilities supplying 82 markets. The company’s twenty serious violations involve the following.

  • Noise exposure.
  • Electrical Hazards.
  • Lack of machine guarding and personal protective equipment.
  • Neglecting to inspect energy control procedures.
  • Failure to develop and implement a confined space program.
  • Fire extinguishers not mounted.

Pandrol USA has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program because of two willful violations. A violation is considered willful when there is disregard for the laws requirements and indifference to worker safety and health. Willful violations are committed with intentional knowledge that a standard is being ignored. Pandrol’s willful violations include the following.

  • Failure to use energy control or lockout/tagout procedures for mechanical hydraulic presses.
  • Failure to provide machine guarding.
  • Failure to ensure employees performing maintenance and repairs on machinery are properly trained on energy control procedures.

Severe Violator Enforcement Program Requires Strict Follow-Up

OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program requires follow-up inspections in an effort to ensure the cited company is following laws and standards. Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA’s Marlton office stated employers are solely responsible for maintaining safe and healthy work environments and will be held accountable for failing to do so.

The Severe Violator Enforcement Program was established in 2010 by OSHA via directive CPL 02-00-149. It replaced the previous Enhanced Enforcement Program (EEP).