$1.76 million fine and SVEP after 1,000 injuries in past 36 months
at a Wisconsin furniture manufacturer
In July 2014, a worker lost three fingers while operating a woodworking machine without required safety mechanisms in place. A resulting inspection identified 12 willful, 12 repeat and 14 serious safety violations and placed the company in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program for failure to address the hazards.
In a 3.5-year period, more than 1,000 work-related injuries were recorded at the manufacturer. OSHA says the company "intentionally and willfully disregarded OSHA standards and its own corporate safety manuals to encourage workers to increase productivity and meet deadlines. The company apparently blamed the victims for their own injuries, but there is clear evidence that injuries were caused by the unsafe conditions created by the company."
Inspectors say the company did not take the necessary steps to protect its workers from being injured by moving machine parts. It did not prevent machines from unintentionally starting when workers were changing tools, and also failed to provide adequate safety mechanisms to prevent contact with those moving parts. 14 serious violations included failure to train workers on safety procedures and hazards present when servicing machinery, inadequate drenching facilities for workers exposed to corrosive materials, electrical safety violations and lack of readily-accessible emergency stop buttons. See the citations here.
$278,440 for lead paint exposure on an Illinois bridge project

The contractor was issued four willful violations for failing to provide personal protective clothing and clean changing areas and hygiene facilities to prevent lead from traveling home with workers. The company also failed to provide written notice to an employee who was overexposed to lead, resulting in the issuance of one serious violation. Two violations were cited for failing to provide an on-site lead compliance program and to post lead warning signs in work areas. The company was cited for similar violations in 2011. See the citations here.
$242,940 and SVEP for repeat amputation hazards at a Michigan shipyard

Three willful violations were assessed for struck-by hazards, machine hazards and falls and trips from unguarded manholes and unprotected edges. Inspectors also found repeat violations of respiratory protection standards. Crane slings were not inspected every three months and inspection records were not maintained as required. The company also was cited for machines with inadequate protective devices, failure to provide written lockout / tagout procedures and training, as well as unmarked exit signs and failure to post fire watches during welding activities. A total of 10 serious violations were issued. View the current citations here.
$229,228 in damages for whistleblower retaliation by U.S. Postal Service -
against a safety specialist

An OSHA investigation later confirmed the employee's complaints and acted on his behalf. On Feb. 13, a U.S. District Judge in Seattle agreed with OSHA's findings that the employee clearly engaged in protected activities under the OSH Act by assisting his co-worker on a health and safety concern and by filing his own whistleblower complaints alleging retaliation and harassment.
$179,000 for confined space and other violations at an Ohio freight-handling company

OSHA's investigation found the company did not ventilate tankers to eliminate and control atmospheric hazards and failed to test and monitor atmospheric conditions before allowing workers to enter and clean them. Employees were also exposed to fall hazards of nearly 11 feet while cleaning the tankers, resulting in the issuance of the two willful violations. Six serious citations were issued for failure to develop a confined space entry permit program to train workers on hazards, procedures for summoning emergency services and providing monitors when an employee entered a confined space. Electrical safety violations were also noted. View the citations here.
8 additional significant OSHA fines announced in February:
- $158,000 for 21 electrocution, serious fall and other hazards at an Alabama auto parts manufacturer
- $139,800 for repeat machine safety violations at an Ohio manufacturer
- $133,540 and SVEP for repeat amputation, explosion and other hazards at an Ohio pallet facility
- $122,500 and SVEP for repeat amputation and other hazards at an Ohio box manufacturer
- $119,000 for explosion and forklift hazards at a Missouri freight company
- $114,800 and SVEP for fall protection hazards at an Illinois tower service company
- $110,200 for 21 hazardous chemical and other violations at a Texas plating company
- $108,800 for machine and lockout/tagout hazards at a Maine textile manufacturer
- Review these cases and others among OSHA's February news releases.
- Quickly find the OSHA safety signs you need here.
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