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.

  • By Robert Yaniz Jr.
  • Apr 23, 2024

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.

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