OSHA Cites Pallet Manufacturer for Violations Tied to Machine Safety Hazards
Konz Wood Products faces a total of $177,453 in proposed penalties.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jun 05, 2024
OSHA has determined that Appleton, Wisconsin-based Konz Wood Products’ failure to train employees on machine safety procedures contributed to the death of a 57-year-old worker. As a result of its investigation, OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $177,453.
According to a recent release, the incident occurred in late 2023 when the worker was struck by the carriage of a lumber stacking machine while attempting to remove a jammed board. OSHA concluded that the machine had not been locked out to prevent movement, a violation for which Konz Wood Products was previously cited in 2019.
In this—the fifth inspection at the company since 2016—OSHA inspectors found two repeat violations for not implementing lockout/tagout procedures and failing to provide fall protection. In addition, they identified 15 serious violations, including inadequate machine guarding, unsafe electrical setups, and improperly stored oxygen tanks.
“Federal safety procedures protect workers from the dangers of coming in contact with moving machine parts, but when employers fail to train workers or ensure procedures are followed, workers are at risk for serious or fatal injuries,” OSHA Area Director Robert Bonack in Appleton said in a statement. “Konz Wood Products and Wisconsin’s entire lumber and wood products industry must work to improve employee safety by guarding machines during normal production and locking out and tagging equipment during the maintenance.”
Konz Wood Products has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.