OSHA Cites Company in Paris, IL after Employee is Left with Facial Burns
North American Lighting faces $85,826 in penalties due to a lack of safety precautions in the facility.
- By Shereen Hashem
- Apr 23, 2021
On November 14, 2020, pressurized material in a plastic molding machine exploded leaving a maintenance technician for a central Illinois lighting manufacturer with severe facial burns.
OSHA conducted an investigation and determined that North American Lighting lacked energy control procedures to protect workers, or lockout/tagout. According to a press release, OSHA found that the company did not review its procedures annually to ensure effectiveness and eye and safety protection.
The company was cited by OSHA for one repeat violation well as three serious violations of machine safety standards and requirements of PPE. The company was cited in 2019 for similar violations at the same facility with penalties at a proposed $85,826. The fourth most frequently cited OSHA violation is lack of machine safety.
“Employers must ensure that machines and equipment are disabled before workers perform service and maintenance to prevent unexpected startup or release of hazardous energy and materials,” said OSHA Area Director Barry Salerno in Peoria, Illinois. “If North American Lighting took the time to implement and test the safety procedures, this serious injury could have been prevented.”
A subsidiary of the Koito Group of Tokyo, North American Lighting, manufactures automotive lighting systems at eight facilities nationwide. According to a press release, the company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings to the independent OSHA Commission.
The OSHA Act of 1970 states “to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health; and for other purposes.”
About the Author
Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.