Town manager: OSHA closing conference done; Winchester must write manuals, collect MSDS forms

WINCHESTER, Conn. — The town’s OSHA inspection is still open, Town Manager Paul Marino told the Board of Selectmen on Jan. 21, and formal violation notices and potential fines are expected in certified mail. Marino said inspectors praised items the town had already addressed but that several compliance gaps remain, chiefly the absence of department‑specific procedures and safety documentation.

"The primary focus will be on developing comprehensive procedures and manuals for each department," Marino said. He told the board that the inspector noted the town had the opportunity during the inspection period to send photos and documents showing items had been corrected and that those corrections may reduce or remove potential violations in the final report.

Marino listed examples of the compliance shortfalls discussed at the closing conference: separate manuals for tasks in the wastewater and water facilities, full Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each chemical product used (for example, each different brand of glass cleaner), written procedures for proper respirator fit and use, and certified training for maintenance staff who must clean biohazards. "Also the other 1 would be, in town hall, our maintainer, needs to be certified now," Marino said, citing an example where staff need guidance on cleaning blood on floors.

Marino said the town has been contacting peer municipalities to borrow or adapt existing manuals to lower the workload and that he will request an OSHA supervisor to discuss potential fine reductions when the formal notices arrive.

Ending: Marino said the town remains in the OSHA inspection process until the final report and any fines arrive; he will schedule follow‑up with OSHA leadership and bring recommended policy and training documents to the board.