Foundry fined $990K for exposing employees to fire, explosion, burn, and fall hazards
An OSHA inspection has determined that Frazer & Jones LLC is continuing to expose its employees to a range of health and safety hazards and violating federal regulations. During an investigation in October 2024, OSHA determined that employees at the New York iron foundry were exposed to the risks of fire and explosion, thermal and chemical burns, falls, and other hazards.
This is not the first time the foundry has been cited by OSHA. In 2023, the company was cited for two serious violations. In 2021, the foundry had to pay $276,189 for 60 violations.
During this most recent inspection, Frazer & Jones was cited for four willful, 13 repeat, seven serious and three other-than-serious violations. According to OSHA, the foundry was exposing employees to a variety of hazards, including:
Fire and explosion from uncapped natural gas vent lines during industrial furnace maintenance.
Struck-by injuries while operating cranes, hoists and lifting devices with identified deficiencies.
Falls from walking and working surfaces not protected by guardrails.
Asphyxiation from hazardous atmospheres for workers entering the kiln, a permit-required confined space, for maintenance.
Because of these violations, the company faces $990,186 in proposed fines.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Jeffrey Prebish said, “Frazer & Jones’ troubling history of exposing its employees to serious hazards must end. Despite their agreement to correct violations, they once again failed to implement proper safeguards. OSHA will continue to perform its mission and hold employers accountable when they fail to meet their legal obligations to protect the safety and health of their workers.”
OSHA in the news
Worker’s arm is pulled into unguarded machine, causing permanent injuries. Furniture manufacturer fined $275K.
An OSHA investigation has found that Artco-Bell Corp. could have prevented the serious injuries sustained by one of its employees.
Maintenance worker dies when machine starts up unexpectedly, tire manufacturer fined $272K
Since 2015, the facility has been inspected nine times, resulting in 52 violations.
Boat manufacturer fined $328K for ignoring safety violations
Blacktip Boatworks LLC failed to address the 15 health and safety hazards identified in a July 2023 investigation.
Learn more about industrial safety
Workplace Safety Is Job One
Pulling back the curtain on how EHS leaders view their profession.
Report Questions Warehouse Worker Safety Due to Excessive Surveillance
An Oxfam report says Amazon's and Walmart's technology is harming workers.
You Knew This Job Was Dangerous When You Took It
The 2024 National Safety & Salary Survey reveals that safety leaders have a high degree of satisfaction in their profession.
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
