Another Six-Figure OSHA Fine for LOTO Death
The agency's $195,930 proposed fine and description of the June 12 fatality sounds all too familiar.
OSHA announced it has cited Resource Management Cos. at its Earth City, Mo., recycling facility for 37 safety and health violations following an inspection opened after a worker died from injuries sustained June 12 when he entered a baling machine to clear a jam and the machine became energized. Proposed fines total $195,930.
"Resource Management Cos. has a responsibility to ensure that its workers are protected from hazardous working conditions, especially ones related to dangerous equipment such as baling machines," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "Employers are required by law to ensure that work environments are safe and healthful. OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."
Twenty-two serious safety violations have been filed, including failing to lock out and tag out the energy sources of equipment and install adequate machine guarding; fall protection; exits; flammable liquids; fire extinguishers; powered industrial trucks; and welding and electrical equipment. Eight serious health violations were cited, as was a one repeat safety violation relating to defective powered industrial trucks that were not taken out of service. The company was cited in April 2010 for a similar violation, according to OSHA.
Resource Management Cos. has 15 business days from its receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
For compliance assistance, to file a complaint, or to report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities, or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA.