By Rupert Howell

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued 33 citations proposing $487,700 in penalties  to the Parker Hannifin Corp. in Batesville, alleging numerous safety and health violations as the result of an inspection that began in November 2010 according to a news release from OSHA

OSHA issued 16 repeat citations with $407,000 in fines. The release later explains that repeat violations are based on previous inspections conducted at other company locations.

OSHA’s news release explains that a repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The Ohio-based company has 170 facilities throughout the U. S.

“In this case, Parker Hannifin not only failed to make safety its top priority, but the company ignored many violations that OSHA previously had brought to its attention.”

Aiden Gormley, global director of communications for Parker, said Wednesday that Parker Hannifin takes its committment to the health and safety of its employees seriously and said that many of the instances were remedied the same day citations were issued.

Parker Hannifin has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Gormley said Wednesday that Parker Hannifin planned to contest some of the citations but, “more importantly we’re committed to correcting issues responsibly and quickly.”

OSHA issued 17 serious citations with $80,700 in fines. Fifteen are safety-related.

”Companies that cut corners at the expense of worker safety must be held accountable,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels.  “In this case, Parker Hannifin not only failed to make safety its top priority, but the company ignored many violations that OSHA previously had brought to its attention.”

The Cleveland, Ohio based firm showed record third quarter earnings and is expecting a record year for earnings according to Gormely.

The local plant is located on Highway 6 East in Batesville and employs over 700, up from 190 18 months ago.

It runs three shifts seven days a week according to Panola Parnership Executive Director Sonny Simmons.