Mississippi Paper Manufacturer Faces $303,657 in OSHA Penalties

Paper products manufacturer von Drehle Corp. faces penalties totaling $303,657, including a penalty for the maximum amount allowed by law.

OSHA has cited paper products manufacturer von Drehle Corp. for several workplace safety hazards that put employees at risk of injury at its Natchez, Miss., facility. The agency reported that the company faces penalties totaling $303,657, including a penalty for the maximum amount allowed by law.

An inspection of the company's facility by OSHA resulted in citations for exposing workers to electrical hazards, lack of machine guarding, allowing combustible dust to accumulate on surfaces, failing to lockout machinery to control hazardous energy, exposing workers to arc flash hazards, and allowing slip, trip, and fall hazards.

"Employers are required to assess potential hazards and make necessary corrections to ensure a safe workplace," OSHA Jackson Area Office Director Courtney Bohannon said. "The inspection results demonstrate workplace deficiencies existed putting workers at serious risk of injury or death."

The von Drehle Corp. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with the area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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