Foundry fined $990K for exposing employees to fire, explosion, burn, and fall hazards

Foundry fined $990K for exposing employees to fire, explosion, burn, and fall hazards

Nov. 18, 2024
Frazer & Jones was cited for four willful, 13 repeat, seven serious and three other-than-serious violations.

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 Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

Sponsored Recommendations

April 14, 2025
This paper addresses where leaks commonly occur, leak detection methods, and practical advice for an audit and repair plan. You'll learn why an ongoing leak detection and repair...
April 14, 2025
This special report explores the latest innovations in compressed air tech to help your facility reduce artificial demand and achieve greater system control. You'll also gain ...
April 14, 2025
Here are some things you can do in between formal preventive maintenance visits on your electric screw compressor to extend compressor life and prevent downtime.
April 14, 2025
They cost more than refrigerated dryers. They need more parts and service than refrigerated dryers. They increase demand for compressed air. So when should you use a desiccant...