Boat manufacturer fined $328K for ignoring safety violations 

Boat manufacturer fined $328K for ignoring safety violations 

Oct. 9, 2024
Blacktip Boatworks LLC failed to address the 15 health and safety hazards identified in a July 2023 investigation.

A follow-up inspection conducted by OSHA in March 2024 found that Blacktip Boatworks LLC had failed to address the 15 health and safety hazards identified in a July 2023 investigation. The company, which manufactures boats, did not submit required proof of abatement to OSHA, prompting the second inspection. The existing violations include failing to institute a workplace respiratory protection program and failing to develop and maintain a written hazard communication program and safety data sheets.  

Blacktip Boatworks was cited for four failure-to-abate, two serious and three repeat violations, as well as one other-than-serious violation because of the inspection. These new violations include: 

  • Failing to properly train workers using respirators
  • Not conducting inspections on equipment and not removing damaged equipment from service
  • Failing to electrically interconnect containers used to transfer flammable liquids
  • Not providing medical evaluations and fit testing to workers required to wear tight-fitting respirators 

This brings the company’s new total to $328,287 in penalties. 

What people are saying

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Danelle Jindra said, “Our follow-up inspection found Blacktip Boatworks continuing to expose its employees to potentially disabling and deadly injuries. The citations we issue are not recommendations. They are violations of federal law that must be addressed immediately.” 

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About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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