OSHA settles with carpet manufacturer

JOHNSTOWN, OH — The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has reached a settlement agreement with Mohawk Industries Inc., under which the company will increase fire protection at its four carpet pad facilities, according to a press release.

The agreement resolves citations issued by OSHA in June 2011 for violations found at the company's manufacturing facility in Johnstown, the release stated.

"Mohawk Industries has agreed to make an investment in the health and safety of its workers by increasing fire protection at all of their carpet pad manufacturing facilities. Companies that put the health and safety of workers first should be recognized for their investments in human capital, our nation's most precious resource," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health.

According to the release, following its investigation, OSHA cited the company with four serious violations involving dust, unguarded floors and electrical hazards.

Mohawk has agreed to solicit the services of a licensed professional fire protection engineer to assess potential fire and/or explosion hazards that may be generated during the handling and processing of polymer foam materials, as well as to implement that professional's recommendations, the release added.