DOL Sues Duct Manufacturer for Firing Two Employees Who Identified Machine Hazards
The company allegedly retaliated against workers after being cited by OSHA
An employee was fired by Lloyd Industries after suffering the amputation of three fingers on a machine without safety guards.
Four months later, OSHA received a complaint from the employee and opened an inspection. Once it began, the company then fired a worker who was considered a “rat” by company owner William P. Lloyd.
On May 11, 2015, OSHA issued citations to Lloyd Industries totaling $822,000. That day, the owner fired the plant’s manager for what he believed was cooperation with OSHA.
In response, the DOL filed suit against Lloyd Industries on March 8, 2016, seeking to have the employees reinstated and compensated for lost wages and damages.
"Lloyd Industries has a long, unfortunate history of putting employees at risk and defying federal officials. Since 2000, approximately 40 serious injuries including lacerations, crushed, fractured, dislocated and amputated fingers have been recorded," said Richard Mendelson, OSHA regional administrator in Philadelphia. "William P. Lloyd refuses to make his company safe. Whenever someone tries, they are fired."