Worker Loses Three Fingers in Power Press, Company Fined $94,200
Two willful violations relate to the amputation, including exposing workers to unguarded machinery and failing to have adequate guarding on the hydraulic brake press, which exposes employees to hand amputations.
OSHA has cited Jefco Manufacturing Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for six safety violations following a January incident in which a worker suffered an amputation of three fingers while operating a mechanical power press. Proposed penalties total $94,200.
Two willful violations relate to the amputation, including exposing workers to unguarded machinery and failing to have adequate guarding on the hydraulic brake press, which exposes employees to hand amputations.
Three serious violations include exposing workers to flying pieces of metal, allowing the turnover bars used to adjust the mechanical power presses not to be spring-loaded, and failing to use safety blocks when adjusting or repairing the die on the power presses.
One other-than-serious violation was cited with no monetary penalty for not having the inspection records for the power presses.
"This employer is aware of OSHA's requirements for machine guarding, but continues to choose to put workers at risk," said Darlene Fossum, OSHA's area director in Fort Lauderdale. "It is the company's responsibility to ensure a safe workplace."
Jefco Manufacturing makes custom hinges for boats.