OSHA proposes $255,000 in fines for Ruger

OSHA proposes $255,000 in fines for NH gun maker

By DENIS PAISTE
New Hampshire Union Leader Staff
Thursday, Jun. 11, 2009

 

CONCORD – The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) wants to fine Sturm Ruger & Co. Inc. $255,150 for 60 alleged safety and health standards violations at its Newport firearms manufacturing plant.

The alleged violations were identified during inspections conducted between November 2008 and May 2009, the government said. OSHA is part of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Sturm Ruger general counsel Kevin Reid declined to comment on the matter, citing company policy.

Sturm Ruger casts metal parts for firearms and commercial customers.

Rosemarie Ohar, area director in OSHA’s Concord office, said, “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.”

Sturm Ruger has 15 days to contest the allegations.

OSHA said it issued one willful citation with $63,000 in proposed fines because the company failed to guard rotating parts on drill presses, sanding and polishing machines despite the risk of severe or fatal injuries if employees made contact with rotating parts. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

Other conditions resulted in 55 serious citations with $188,550 in proposed fines, OSHA said. Sturm Ruger also was cited for inadequate recordkeeping, with a $3,600 fine.