Automotive Manufacturer Faces OSHA Penalties After Fatal Workplace Incident

Automotive Manufacturer Faces OSHA Penalties After Fatal Workplace Incident

Faurecia Emissions Control Systems NA LLC was cited with 10 citations and a total of $314,555 in proposed penalties.

An OSHA investigation has revealed that Faurecia Emissions Control Systems NA LLC—one of 29 facilities operated by automotive supplier Faurecia North America—could have prevented the death of a 26-year-old employee in Franklin, Ohio.

According to a recent release, the incident occurred in October 2023 when the employee was crushed while working with a machine that bends vehicle exhaust pipes. OSHA found the company failed to provide adequate machine guarding and ultimately issued 10 citations against Faurecia. Violations also included inadequate training in lockout/tagout procedures and failure to conduct annual safety procedure tests.

“Faurecia Emissions Control Systems could have prevented this tragedy by having proper machine guarding that would have protected employees from contact with moving machine parts,” OSHA Area Director Ken Montgomery in Cincinnati said in a statement. “Safety requirements are just that, required. This company failed in its legal responsibility to ensure workers were protected from workplace hazards.”

Faurecia was previously cited for similar violations in 2022. As a result of the most recent investigation, Faurecia now faces proposed penalties totaling $314,555. The company now has 15 business days to comply with the citations and penalties, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest before an independent commission.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

  • Glove Guard® Clip

    Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. Read More

  • Safety Shower Test Cart

    The Safety Shower Test Cart speeds up and simplifies emergency shower tests, ensures you stay in compliance with OSHA regulations, and significantly reduces testing costs. With 7 unique features, the cart makes testing easy, effective, and efficient. You can test water clarity, flow, temperature, and spread—all at the same time! Most safety shower testing kits create a mess, take too much time to use, and don't fully help you stay in compliance with OSHA & ANSI standards. Transform the way you test emergency showers with Green Gobbler Safety. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars