OSHA cites Illinois manufacturer for environmental hazards

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited HB Fuller Co. for 18 health and safety violations at its facility in Frankfort, Illinois, proposing penalties totaling $587,564.

OSHA cited the adhesives manufacturer, operating as Adhesive Systems Inc., for failing to provide employees with respirator fit tests and respirators appropriate for hazardous atmospheres, failing to require bonding and grounding when transferring flammable liquids, failing to ensure that electrical equipment was approved for use in hazardous atmospheres, and failing conduct a personal protective equipment assessment, the agency said Friday in a statement.

“This employer failed to provide a safe and healthful workplace,” said OSHA Chicago south area office director Kathy Webb in the statement. “The company needlessly exposed workers to hazards by failing to provide necessary training or conduct a required workplace hazard assessment.”

Officials with HB Fuller could not immediately be reached for comment.