Amputation Accident at Massachusetts Manufacturer Results in OSHA Citations

A Plainville, Massachusetts manufacturer and packager of medical equipment has received two citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following a machinery accident. A worker’s finger was pinched by a heat seal bar used to seal plastic bags, and the worker lost the tip of that finger as a result.

When inspectors investigated the plant, they identified three packaging machines that lacked required safeguards to prevent such accidents, exposing workers to amputation and laceration injuries. As a result, OSHA has issued one willful citation for the lack of machine guarding. That citation has a proposed fine of $56,000. In addition, the company received two serious citations for not providing a hazard communication program and training for employees working with hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Those citations carry $2,100 in proposed fines.

The company faces $58,100 in total proposed fines.

Source: OSHA cites Mass. manufacturer after amputation accident, ReliablePlant.com, December 2, 2009
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