$90,000 Fine Issued to Firm for Unguarded Winder Machine, Equipment Hazards
"Failing to ensure machine guarding is in place to protect workers from the point of operation puts employees at risk for injury and amputation hazards," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland.
OSHA has cited PPG Industries Inc. for four safety violations, including a willful violation for operating an unguarded winder machine, at its Cleveland resin production facility. Proposed fines total $90,000.
"Failing to ensure machine guarding is in place to protect workers from the point of operation puts employees at risk for injury and amputation hazards," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "Employers have a responsibility to recognize the hazards that exist in their facilities, and take necessary precautions to protect workers' safety and health."
An inspection was initiated Sept. 26 after OSHA received a complaint alleging the use of an unguarded winder machine in the facility's Teslin department, which resulted in the citation for the willful violation.
PPG Industries also has been cited for three serious violations for failing to lock out the energy sources of equipment prior to servicing or conducting maintenance, have authorized personnel affix lockout/tagout devices on equipment, and ensure guards were affixed or secured to equipment.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PPG Industries is a coatings and specialty products and services company that operates in more than 60 countries.