OSHA Fines Company for Amputation Hazards
The agency has cited Kobelco Stewart Bolling and proposed $139,000 in fines.
OSHA has cited Kobelco Stewart Bolling Inc. based in Hudson, Ohio, for 13 alleged safety and health violations and issued $139,000 in proposed fines, according to its news release. The company, which manufactures industrial machinery—\, received an inspection following a worker's complaint. The investigation found the company violated safety standards for machine guarding to protect workers from caught-in and amputation hazards.
The company received three repeat violations for inadequate lockout/tagout procedures, exposing workers to unguarded equipment, and not labeling chemical containers. In addition, the company was cited for six serious violations for alleged failure to review lockout/tagout devices annually, storing flammable liquids in an exit path, lack of fire extinguisher training, not identifying and providing correct chemical resistant gloves, and failing to train workers on personal protective equipemnt.
"Failing to protect workers from dangerous machinery is among the most frequently cited OSHA violations, and injuries involving machinery and equipment often result in death or permanent disability," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "Employers who are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to employee safety and health."