Boat manufacturer fined $328K for ignoring safety violations
A follow-up inspection conducted by OSHA in March 2024 found that Blacktip Boatworks LLC had failed to address the 15 health and safety hazards identified in a July 2023 investigation. The company, which manufactures boats, did not submit required proof of abatement to OSHA, prompting the second inspection. The existing violations include failing to institute a workplace respiratory protection program and failing to develop and maintain a written hazard communication program and safety data sheets.
Blacktip Boatworks was cited for four failure-to-abate, two serious and three repeat violations, as well as one other-than-serious violation because of the inspection. These new violations include:
- Failing to properly train workers using respirators
- Not conducting inspections on equipment and not removing damaged equipment from service
- Failing to electrically interconnect containers used to transfer flammable liquids
- Not providing medical evaluations and fit testing to workers required to wear tight-fitting respirators
This brings the company’s new total to $328,287 in penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Danelle Jindra said, “Our follow-up inspection found Blacktip Boatworks continuing to expose its employees to potentially disabling and deadly injuries. The citations we issue are not recommendations. They are violations of federal law that must be addressed immediately.”
OSHA in the news
Flooring manufacturer exposed workers to willful, serious safety violations, fined $300K by OSHA
Ecore International was cited for one willful violation and 15 serious violations.
2 workers suffer severe injuries within a week, meat casing manufacturer fined $197K by OSHA
The company was ultimately cited for one repeat violation, seven serious violations, and one other-than-serious violation.
Worker burned in flash fire incident; coatings manufacturer fined $183K for 12 safety violations
The employee suffered first-and second-degree burns.
Learn more about industrial safety
AI in Manufacturing Safety is No Accident
Visual AI can help prevent accidents while improving workplace safety management and increasing productivity.
Preventing Workplace Violence Starts with a Plan
Workplace violence, like other industrial hazards, can be prevented with the proper culture and planning.
Warehousing and Logistics Construction Is Booming, but Safety Needs to Be Prioritized
Worker safety is a growing concern as the number of warehouses continues to grow.
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn
