Cortland Marietta Plant Cited for Safety Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor says a Central New York hotel soap and shampoo manufacturer is facing federal fines after allegedly exposing employees to chemical and fire hazards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports an inspection at Marietta Corporation’s Cortland factory in November revealed several safety issues, including improper storage of flammable liquids, employees with respirators that were trained or checked medically, chemicals improperly labeled and the blocking of emergency exit routes.

OSHA says its inspectors went to the plant after receiving complaints from company employees.

It cited Marietta for three repeat and six serious violations of federal safety standards and is proposing $103,800 in fines.

OSHA also cited violations at the company’s facility in Chicago in 2010 and similar violations in Cortland in 2011.

The Associated Press reports Andrew Fondaw, vice president of environmental health and safety for Kik Custom Products, which purchased Marietta earlier this year, says the company has sent OSHA documentation that supports there were no violations regarding some issues. He says Kik is working on a project plan to address the persisting problems.