Worker Loses Finger in Machine, Plastics Firm Fined $70,000
OSHA initiated its inspection May 5 after being notified of the amputation. The violations involve failing to ensure equipment was turned off and properly guarded to prevent contact with moving parts during servicing operations.
OSHA has cited Sabert Corp. with two repeat safety violations following an incident in which a worker's finger was amputated at its Sayerville, N.J., facility. Proposed penalties for the citations total $70,000.
OSHA initiated its inspection May 5 after being notified of the amputation. The violations involve failing to ensure equipment was turned off and properly guarded to prevent contact with moving parts during servicing operations.
The company was cited for the same violations in 2008. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.
"This amputation could and should have been prevented with the proper protections in place," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's Avenel Area Office. "It is imperative that employers are vigilant in protecting employees from amputation hazards."
Sabert Corp., which manufactures plastic products for the food packaging industry, employs about 308 workers.