Recycling Facility Placed in Severe Violator Enforcement Program After Worker's Death
OSHA also cited it for fall and machine hazard violations.
- By Alex Saurman
- May 03, 2022
After a worker's death at a recycling facility, one company is being placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP).
According to a press release, Central Paper Stock Inc was cited following a worker’s death from a fall and machine hazard. When a chute got jammed from paper products, a worker walked on a conveyor and fell down the chute into a paper baler.
After the worker was fatally injured, OSHA investigated the company and cited it for failing to place guards or barriers around the paper baler and failing to de-energize the machine during service. Central Paper Stock was cited for one willful, 21 serious and two other-than-serious violations and placed in the SVEP. Penalties total $260,508.
Per the release, other violations involve “walking-working surfaces, personal protective equipment, potential explosive dust accumulation, permit-required confined spaces, sanitary conditions, electrical wiring, fire extinguisher training and hazard communication.”
“A worker’s life might have been saved had safe operating procedures been followed. No worker should ever be exposed to falling into dangerous equipment or being struck by equipment that cycles during service and maintenance,” said OSHA Area Director Bill McDonald in St. Louis in the press release. “The numerous safety OSHA violations cited in this facility must be addressed to prevent a similar tragedy.”
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.