An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revealed severe safety violations at a foundry in Wisconsin, following two employees suffering amputation injuries within 11 days in April and May 2023.
Foundry Lacks Proper Machine Guarding and Safety Protocols
The probe found that on April 27, 2023, a 29-year-old employee experienced a fingertip amputation due to contact between their hand and a chain link conveyor belt. Similarly, on May 8, 2023, a 20-year-old worker sustained a fingertip amputation when their hand got caught between a part and a grinding wheel.
OSHA inspectors highlighted the lack of adequate machine guarding and energy control procedures at the foundry, violations that were also previously cited in 2019 and 2021, exposing workers to similar hazards.
The Consequences
The agency issued citations for two repeat and six serious violations, imposing a substantial penalty of $234,385. Robert Bonack, OSHA’s Area Director in Wisconsin, emphasized the company’s disregard for safety standards despite prior citations and employee injuries.
The citations outlined several areas of non-compliance, including inadequate energy control procedures verification, insufficient training for machine servicing, damaged guardrails posing fall hazards, and violations related to electrical work practices.
OSHA’s webpages on machine guarding and hazardous energy control provide essential guidelines for employers to mitigate worker exposure to machinery hazards.
The foundry has a limited window of 15 business days from citation receipt to comply, engage in an informal discussion with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Conclusion
The case serves as a stark reminder for businesses, irrespective of size, of the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations. Ensuring proper machine guarding, energy control, and comprehensive training prioritizes employee well-being and averts potential fines and legal repercussions. Prioritizing workplace safety remains an integral part of responsible business operations.