The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) has proposed $255,150 in fines against Sturm
Ruger & Company Inc. for 60 alleged violations of safety and health
standards identified during the agency's inspections of the firearms
manufacturer's Newport, N.H., plant conducted between November 2008 and
May 2009.
“Our inspections identified a large number of mechanical, respirator
protection, electrical, lead, fire, explosive and other hazards that
must be effectively and continuously addressed to protect the workers
at this plant from potentially deadly or disabling injuries and
illnesses now and in the future,” said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area
director in New Hampshire, in a statement.
Officials allege the company failed to guard rotating parts on drill
presses, sanding and polishing machines despite its knowledge that
employees were exposed to injuries if they came in contact with the
parts. The inspection also identified employees exposed to excess
levels of lead dust and inadequate lead monitoring, training, hygiene,
cleaning and disposal methods.
Sturm Ruger has 15 business days to respond.
