AT&T Cited by OSHA in Atlanta

Local 3250 did a great job bringing this issue to OSHA’s attention. Below is a copy of the “Serious” citation OSHA issued against AT&T because (1) material safety data sheets were not provided for hazardous substances at Century Center, and (2) employees working at this location were not provided appropriate information and training concerning these hazardous substances.

AT&T has 15 days to contest the citation and fine or it becomes a final order of the Commission which may not be reviewed by and court or agency.

Local 3250 President Roy Hegenbart, who is also a member of the Legacy T Bargaining Team, raised a demand at the Bargaining table requiring the Company to notify and work with the Local Union when construction in occupied building is going to take place, to try to avoid these problems in the future.

__________________________________________________________________

Roy Hegenbart
Communications Workers of America
Local 3250
3516 Covington Highway
Decatur, Georgia 30032

Dear Mr. Hegenbart

Re: AT&T

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a workplace inspection. The inspection was completed on March 21, 2012.

AT&T
2800 Century Parkway
Decatur, Georgia 30032

Violations(s) of the OSHA standards were found. Therefore, a notice was sent to your establishment official stating the hazards identified by OSHA must be eliminated or addressed by an abatement plan. The notice (enclosed) reflects the dates by which the hazards must be corrected. The content of the notice must be posted near the hazardous condition(s) for three working days or until hazard is abated.

U. S. Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Inspection Number: 315740852
Inspection Dates: 01/12/2012-03/21/2012
Issuance Date: 05/04/2012

Citation and Notification of Penalty

Company Name: AT&T
Inspection Site:  2800 Century Parkway, Atlanta GA 30345

The alleged violation below have been grouped because they involve similar or related hazards that may increase the potential for illness.

Citation 1Item 1a Type of Violation:  Serious

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(1):  The employer did not have a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical which was used in the workplace.

a) AT&T, 2800 Century Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30345-The employer did not obtain material safety data sheets for employees when a new and physical and health hazard was introduced into their area on or about January 10, 2012. Chemicals included, but not limited to paints, cutting oils, hydrogen sulfide as a by product, dust, carbon dioxide, etc. from the renovation by an outside contractor.

In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Date By Which Violation Must be Abated:                   05/15/2012
Proposed Penalty:                                                  $2295.00

Citation 1 Item 1b  Type of Violation  Serious

29 CFR 1910.1200(b)(1): Employees were not provided information and training as specified in 29 CFR 1910.12009b)(2) and (3) on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard was introduced into their work area:

a) AT&T, 2800 Century Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30345-The employer did not provided information and training to employees when a new and physical and health hazard was introduced into their area on or about January 10, 2012. Chemicals include, but not limited to paints, cutting oils, dust, hydrogen sulfide as a by product, carbon dioxide, etc. from the renovation by an outside contractor.

In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Date By Which Violation Must be Abated:                   05/15/2012