Rochester Business Journal

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has hit Zotos International Inc. with $233,000 in fines for 44 alleged violations, OSHA officials said Tuesday

OSHA inspectors turned up a grab bag of serious violations at the hair products company’s Geneva plant, agency officials said. Violations alleged by OSHA include exposure to dangerous chemicals, inadequate protection from moving machine parts, blocked access to fire exits and fire extinguishers and training shortfalls.

“Left uncorrected, these conditions expose workers to the dangers of electrocution, lacerations, amputation, fire and hazardous chemicals, as well as being unable to exit the workplace safely in the event of an emergency,” OSHA’s Syracuse-based area director, Christopher Adams, said in a statement.

“In many instances, issues that OSHA inspectors identified were corrected immediately during the inspection,” Zotos director of health and Safety Brian Chappell said in an email. 

“Zotos takes all regulatory obligations relating to safety and health, as well as environmental issues, very seriously.  Zotos has been a part of the Finger Lakes community for over 80 years and we understand our role as a responsible employer,” Chappell said. “The safety of our employees, our most valuable asset, is of utmost importance.  We are committed to making lasting investments at our Geneva plant, and we will continue to meet with OSHA to resolve this matter.” 

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