OSHA Cites Missouri Sawmill After Fatality

OSHA has proposed penalties of $199,183 to the company for two repeated and 14 serious safety violations.

  • Sep 18, 2018

OSHA has cited a St. Joseph, Mo., sawmill, American Walnut Company LLC, in connection with an employee's fatal injuries earlier this year. OSHA has proposed penalties of $199,183 to the company for two repeated and 14 serious safety violations. OSHA opened an inspection of the sawmill after an employee suffered fatal injuries when he fell into a machine on March 12, 2018.

The victim was identified in local news reports as Joshua S. Hill, 38. OSHA investigators found the company had failed to evaluate job hazards, control hazardous energy, and ensure machines were equipped with adequate guards, and that it exposed workers to hazards associated with falls, ladders, and electrical safety.

"Employers must continually evaluate job hazards and ensure safety guards are in use to protect workers from known hazards in their facilities," said OSHA Kansas City Area Office Director Karena Lorek. "Employers and workers with questions on OSHA standards can contact OSHA for guidance on creating an effective safety and health program."

OSHA reported that the observed noise hazards prompted a subsequent health inspection in April 2018 that found the company exposed workers to hazards associated with combustible dust, noise, and the use of chemicals in the sawmill.

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