Matalco US fined $130,200 for Willfully Exposing Workers to Serious Hazards
The Canton, Ohio, aluminum plant company has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program
According to a release from OSHA, employees at Matalco US Inc. were exposed to amputation, fall hazards, and unsafe crane operations. OSHA has issued two willful, one repeat and two serious safety violations to the Canton, Ohio plant carrying proposed penalties of $130,200. The company produces aluminum material for use in automotive rims and other parts. It has also been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
“This company allowed workers to stand on blocks elevated by a forklift, and that’s just one visible example of the total disregard for workers safety and health at this plant,” said Howard Eberts, OSHA’s area director in Cleveland. “By placing Matalco US in our Severe Violator Enforcement Program, OSHA is putting the company on notice that this is unacceptable.”
An inspection found one willful violation for insufficient machine guarding on a robot cell that exposed workers to amputation hazards. A second willful violation was cited for failing to remove a crane with broken safety mechanisms from service. OSHA also found that live electric equipment operating at high voltages was not guarded against human contact. This resulted in a serious violation.