Ashley Furniture Cited Again
The company failed to report an amputation injury to OSHA, according to the agency.
After an employee of Ashley Furniture Inc. had his finger amputated, the company failed to report the injury as required, according to OSHA, which reported the incident occurred because the Arcadia, Wis.-based company has continued to ignore safety requirements to protect workers from moving machine parts. OSHA placed it in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program earlier this year, and Ashley Furniture faces proposed penalties of $83,200 as a result of the agency's investigation of the March 11 amputation injury.
In total, the company was issued two willful violations for failing to protect workers from machinery operating parts and neglecting to report a hospitalization within 24 hours, and two other-than-serious violations for failing to keep accurate injury records.
"Workers at Ashley Furniture cannot count on their company to do what's right when it comes to safety. These workers are at risk because this company is intentionally and willfully disregarding OSHA standards and requirements," said Mark Hysell, OSHA's area director in Eau Claire.