A Temple, Texas furniture manufacturer has been issued a $249,657 fine for repeated failures to address its workers being exposed to amputation hazards. The fine comes after a recent injury in April of 2021, in which a worker had a finger broken when their hand was caught in a machine.
This situation is one of the reasons why attorney Domingo Garcia is a work injury attorney. Many Texans are injured every year in workplace accidents, and those injuries can result in you being unable to ever return to work. It is why the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration forces all employers to undertake certain safety protocols.
According to OSHA inspectors, the employee was injured most recently, while feeding raw materials into a process linee that glues furniture parts. Apparently the company had removed machine guarding and failed to follow hazardous energy control procedures meant to prevent sudden machine start-up or movement during maintenance or servicing.
“OSHA cited the company for similar violations in 2015 and 2018.”
OSHA News Release – Region 6
U.S. Department of Labor
“Lockout/tagout and machine guarding violations are two of the most frequently cited hazards and if not addressed, the consequences can be serious or fatal worker injuries,” said OSHA Area Director Casey Perkins in Austin, Texas. “The threat of being caught in an unforgiving machine is a constant danger in a manufacturing setting. Aside from the terrible physical toll paid by injured workers, these preventable incidents can be life-altering events that leave workers unable to support themselves and their families.”
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. Learn more about OSHA.
