by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Guam Industrial Services Inc., doing business as Guam Shipyard, has been cited for a total of 61 alleged violations of workplace safety and health standards. The violations are a result of inspections conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration earlier this year. 46 of the alleged violations were deemed serious. Those included: electrical hazards, lack of guardrail protections, and exposing workers to metal fumes. Additionally seven were repeat violations and eight were deemed other-than-serious.

"Both the number and seriousness of safety and health violations we identified during our inspection are cause for grave concern," said Galen Lemke, director of OSHA's Honolulu Area Office. "We hope the results of our inspection will serve as a wake-up call, not only for this employer but for others, about the importance of ensuring workplace safety and health for workers in Guam's maritime industry."

The company faces a total of $293,450 in proposed fines and has 15 days to comply, discuss or contest the findings.