URBANA, Ill. -- Shad Khan is known for making headlines in Jacksonville for his dedication to the Jaguars. The billionaire business man has proved he wants a winning team in Jacksonville. But his Illinois-based company, Flex-N-Gate, is now making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hit Khan's Flex-N-Gate company with nine serious violations. Four of those have to do with workers being exposed to dangerous chemicals.
According to the report, workers at the Urbana plant were exposed to dangerous chemicals and did not receive proper training or examinations from their employer. OSHA issued a citation for nine "serious" violations. OSHA spokeswoman Rhonda Burke stated a serious violation means "there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known."
Prior to the NFL draft, United Auto Workers Union members rallied together to protest what they called dangerous working conditions and questionable environmental practices at Khan's auto parts plants.
So now, as Khan watches his team get ready for the season, he also has to fix problems at his company. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent occupational safety and health review commission.
We contacted a spokesperson with Khan's company. We're told that they are contesting the notice and fines.
OSHA cited the Urbana plant for two serious violations in October 2010.
