OSHA inspection trends in aluminum foundries
Between November 15, 2022, and November 15, 2023, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported a total of 22 inspections within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 331524, Aluminum Foundries (except Die-Casting). The data also includes inspections conducted by state-plan states such as Michigan and Oregon.
The outcome of these 22 inspections revealed a total of 24 violations reported within aluminum foundries. Among the inspected firms, 10 were found to have one or more violations reported. The initial penalties issued for these violations amounted to $95,603. However, through subsequent negotiation as part of informal settlement agreement discussions, this figure was reduced to $57,969.
The violations were classified into two categories: 20 were deemed 'serious' infractions, emphasizing critical safety concerns, while the remaining four were categorized as 'other' violations. Delving deeper into the specifics, the citations cover a range of safety topics, shedding light on areas demanding increased attention within the aluminum foundry industry:
- Forklift Safety – 5 citations
- Silica – 4 citations
- Lockout/Tagout – 3 citations
- Electrical Safety - 2 citations
- Machine Guarding – 2 citations
- Hazard Communication – 1 citation
- Personal Protective Equipment – 1 citation
- Cranes – 1 citation
- Reporting – 1 citation
- Employee Training – 1 citation
- Abrasive Wheel Machinery – 1 citation
The areas with the most reported violations, such as forklift safety, silica exposure, lockout/tagout procedures, and electrical safety, demand immediate attention by others within NAICS 331524 to ensure their own safety and health programs satisfy OSHA regulations and ensure a safe working environment for their employees. This report underscores the significance of proactive safety initiatives and serves as a reminder for aluminum foundries to continuously evaluate and improve their safety practices to ensure the well-being of their workforce.