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Foam Insulation Manufacturing
Plant Fined $155,000 Following Fatality
The U.S. Labor Department's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed
$155,000 in fines against a Columbus, Ohio, foam insulation manufacturer
for alleged repeat, willful and serious violations of federal
workplace safety standards following the death of an employee
in August 2006.
OSHA opened an inspection
after receiving notification that an employee had died after
being caught in and crushed by moving machinery that was not
properly guarded. Two willful citations were issued alleging
the company allowed the practice of by-passing interlock guards
and failed to enforce lockout/tagout procedures. A serious violation
alleged the lack of an annual lockout audit, and one repeat violation
was issued for the lack of lockout/tagout training for employees.
"The tragedy of serious
injuries and fatalities resulting from failing to prevent unintended
movement of dangerous machinery is made worse by the fact that
such hazards are entirely preventable," said Deborah Zubaty,
OSHA area director in Columbus.
OSHA had conducted two previous
inspections since May 2003 resulting in serious violations of
OSHA standards covering lockout/tagout issues, machine guarding,
powered industrial trucks and blood borne pathogen regulations.
Under the Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing
a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role
is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and
women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training,
outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging
continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
Source: OSHA News Release 2/22/07
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