After a worker at a baby diaper recycling facility had four of his fingers amputated OSHA inspectors came to investigate how this accident could have happened. Their inspection revealed enough issues that the company ended up with $74,480 in proposed OSHA fines, including combustible dust fines.
The inspection revealed that there was “extensive combustible dust and potential sources of ignition” present in the facility. OSHA’s area director explained how serious this issue is when he said,” “One worker suffered a life-altering injury, and excessive combustible dust at Wahlco made for a disaster waiting to happen”.
The company had received OSHA citations in 2013 for not having necessary machine safety guards in place. The latest inspection found that the finger amputation could have been prevented if this issue had been fixed. “For the second time in two years, the company intentionally disregarded OSHA standards and requirement for machine safety — an unacceptable practice”, said OSHA’s area director.
The inspection also discovered that the company did not train employees about the hazards for the machines they would be using, did not turn off machinery before servicing, and did not provide personal protective equipment to employees working near electrical parts.
The company has 15 days after receiving their citations to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings to an independent OSHA Review Commission. According to the area director, OSHA isn’t focused on collecting fines, but on “trying to abate issues as quickly as possible to make sure workers are safe as quickly as possible”.
