Laundry needs to clean up its act, OSHA alleges

Eric Strauss//December 15, 2016//

Laundry needs to clean up its act, OSHA alleges

Eric Strauss//December 15, 2016//

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A Paterson commercial laundry faces more than $91,000 in fines after being cited by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.OSHA said Thursday in a news release that Brite Services Inc., which does business as Star Laundry Inc. in Paterson, was cited for 12 alleged violations, including seven repeat issues, two serious ones and three other-than-serious problems.

According to OSHA, a July inspection, following a complaint, found that employees were at risk of being struck by vehicles while crossing the street between the company’s two buildings on E. 16th St. in Paterson. OSHA also said hazards and issues included electrical hazards, unguarded machinery and an insufficient number of bathrooms, among other problems.

“Star Laundry continues to needlessly leave its employees vulnerable to hazards that can cause serious injury or death,” Lisa Levy, director of the agency’s Hasbrouck Heights Area Office, said in a prepared statement. “Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthful work environment for workers.”

The citations include proposed penalties totaling $91,911.

The laundry had 15 days from receipt of the citations to either accept the penalties, contest the citations or request a meeting with OSHA officials.