Cabinet Shop Shut Down After Years of Ignoring Safety Hazards

Washington State Department of Labor & IndustriesPhoto byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman, September 13, 2024

TUMWATER, Wash. – A Ridgefield cabinet shop that’s been dodging safety standards for almost six years is finally facing the music. CommCaseworks Inc., a manufacturer of custom commercial cabinetry, was slapped with a hefty $187,000 fine and an order to stop work after inspectors found multiple safety hazards, including unguarded saw blades and flammable chemicals sprayed near ignition sources.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) cited the company in August after discovering that many of the issues reported in 2019 remained unresolved. Despite the company’s disregard for safety, L&I placed red tags on the equipment and issued an Order of Immediate Restraint (OIR), shutting down operations until the hazards were addressed. When the company initially ignored the order, a court intervened to stop the spraying of dangerous chemicals.

Workplace Hazards Ignored

Back in February, inspectors found workers using three different table saws—without safety guards. Maintenance was also being performed on machinery without following proper lockout/tagout procedures, meaning the machines could accidentally power on, putting workers at serious risk of injury or death. In addition to machinery hazards, workers were spraying flammable glue just feet away from electrical ignition sources. The glue also contained chemicals known to cause cancer, yet no safety measures were in place.

"The owner refused to put safety guards on the table saws—even after inspectors instructed him to do so," said Cari Anderson, deputy assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health. "Companies cannot disregard standards or red tags that are there to keep workers safe."

Fines and Violations

CommCaseworks has been cited for a whopping 11 willful serious violations, one willful general violation, three serious violations, and seven general violations. The total fine? $187,000—$67,572 for safety rule violations involving the unguarded table saws and lack of energy control procedures, and an additional $119,524 for spray finishing operation violations, including failure to provide ventilation and eyewash stations.

The company is currently appealing both citations.

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By Kristy Tallman, September 13, 2024
The Republic News
Source: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

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