Company defends record, saying problems were resolved with inspectors on site
(Catskill) -- Government records show that Holcim has been cited for more than 300 safety violations carrying fines totaling $455,000 since it became the Smith’s Landing plant operator in 2008.
The records, compiled by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, which regulates U.S. metal, nonmetal and coal mines, show over the last two years the plant has racked up 310 violations, 97 of which the government says could lead to serious injury or illness.
During Holcim’s first year as operator, 155 violations were found carrying fines totaling almost $264,000. In 2009, 65 violations were cited with penalties of almost $165,000. So far this year, the plant has been hit with 90 violations costing $26,000. Fines have yet to be assessed for 28 of the 90, however.
The data also show six contractors who’ve worked at the plant since 2008 have been cited for 19 safety violations with fines totaling almost $3,000.
Furthermore, according to the records, Holcim has been able to reduce its fines from $455,000 to $384,000. To date, the company has paid only $250,500.
It’s challenging the remainder of the fines, $133,500 — a legal procedure under current U.S. regulations.
Most of the violations carry small fines between $100 and $1,000. But others carry larger penalties from $2,000 to more than $25,000.
Some of the more expensive violations include:
- Three instances of inadequate or improper construction of guards surrounding machinery, cited in September 2009, each costing $6,996.
- Failure to meet requirements for annual refresher training for workers, cited in March 2009, costing $18,742.
- Failure to ensure safe access to work areas, cited in January 2008, costing $13,268.
- Improper size and current-carrying capacity of electrical conductors, cited in September 2008, costing $21,442. Holcim was able to cut the penalty to $9,634.
- Failure to provide handrails and/or toeboards where needed, cited in March 2009, costing $9,634. Holcim is challenging the violation.
Other violations include improper housekeeping, improper construction and maintenance of ladders, and failure to properly label cans of hazardous materials.
Holcim officials have defended the plant’s safety record, saying it’s the top priority.
“I think what you’re seeing is not an accurate reflection of the plant,” said Tony Madrazo, Holcim’s human resources manager, during an interview on Monday. “I don’t think we have a poor safety record.”
Madrazo admitted, however, the plant is not perfect. “(The inspectors) will find stuff,” he said.
Officials also contend many of the violations are resolved while a MSHA inspector is still on site.
However, the records show most of the violations are repeatedly cited throughout the past two years.
The Smith’s Landing plant is one of 10 cement plants around the nation owned by Holcim (U.S.) Inc., the American subsidiary of Swiss-based Holcim Ltd. — one of the world’s top cement manufacturers and suppliers of crushed stone, sand and gravel.
The company employs about 2,200 workers in the U.S.
In January 2008, Holcim acquired St. Lawrence Cement, which had been the plant operator since the mid-1980s.
The plant was originally built in 1912.
The fines come at a difficult time for Holcim — as the demand for its product has declined with the housing market collapse and cutbacks in construction projects. According to Robin DeCarlo, Holcim’s vice president of corporate communications, demand for cement has declined about 45 percent since 2008. Meanwhile, fuel and electricity costs are steadily rising.
Sandy Mathes, executive director of the Greene County Industrial Development Agency said Holcim is struggling in the face of foreign competition. He said the company is aware its long-term survival in Catskill will be a challenge.
In March 2009, the company announced the reduction of 26 positions at the plant. Two months later it announced the temporary layoffs of 35 workers.
The plant currently employs 113 workers. In November 2008, Holcim closed two plants in Clarksville, Missouri and Dundee, Michigan and idled two more plants in Mississippi and Iowa in March 2009.
Madrazo argued there’s no correlation between the workforce reductions and the presence of safety violations. “We are operating the plant more efficiently,” he said. “We feel we’re at a good number.”
Holcim is a sponsor of several local events including the Athens Street Festival and Cat’n Around Catskill street art project.
This year the company also donated $5,000 to the fundraising campaign for the Greene County YMCA and gave more than 10 acres of plant-owned land to the Catskill Soccer Club for use as soccer fields.
By: Doron Tyler Antrim
Source: http://www.thedailymail.net/articles/2010/08/04/news/doc4c58fad211f81005355674.txt