Conveyor Crushes Worker after Weld Failure
OSHA says the death could have been prevented
OSHA has cited KCI Inc. with one willful violation under the organization’s general duty clause. A weld failure in late 2014 caused a temporary support safety pin to disengage on an assembly line conveyor carriage at the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri. That carriage then fell onto a 52-year-old worker, resulting in death.
OSHA says the accident could have been averted if his employer followed federal safety standards, according to a report.
"This worker's death was preventable and a tragic loss for his family," said Barb Theriot, OSHA's area director in Kansas City. "KCI and Ford have a responsibility to inspect assembly lines and ensure that workers moving large parts are protected from crushing and struck-by hazards. Employers have an obligation and responsibility to protect their workers."
OSHA also cited Ford Motor Co. for one serious violation for failing to perform inspections as part of Ford’s accident prevention program. KCI is rebuilding the assembly line at the Ford plant.