Here’s a look at recent OSHA and state-level OSHA enforcement activities across the U.S., from Hawaii to Connecticut, in construction, manufacturing, food processing and other industries.
Georgia Peanut Processor Cited and Placed in Severe Violator Enforcement Program
OSHA cited Great Southern Peanut, LLC, for safety and health violations after conducting a follow-up inspection as part of a formal settlement with the agency. The company faces $309,505 in proposed penalties for failing to develop and implement procedures for confined space entry; train employees on confined space hazards; reduce compressed air to the required level; and meet recordkeeping requirements. The company was placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
Ohio Wood Pallet Manufacturer Cited After Employee Amputation
Buckeye Diamond Logistics, Inc., was cited for lockout/tagout violations after an employee's finger was amputated while working with an energized pallet stack machine. The pallet manufacturer was also cited for failing to install machine guards, train employees on procedures to prevent unintentional machine start-up, and exposing employees to electrical hazards. The company faces $190,794 in proposed penalties.
Connecticut Employer Cited for Exposing Employees to Fall Hazards at Construction Jobsite
L.L.E. Construction, LLC, faces $146,554 in proposed penalties for failure to provide fall and eye protection; train workers on hazard recognition; conduct regular inspections of worksite; properly anchor fall protection equipment; and for using a damaged ladder.
Colorado Metal Forming Company Cited for Exposing Workers to Machine Hazards
Vforge Inc., was cited for machine safety hazards after an employee was fatally injured while working on a forging machine. The company was cited for failing to develop lockout/tagout procedures, provide machine guarding, and train employees in a language they understood. The company faces proposed penalties of $225,046.
California Cites Waste Recycling Company after Worker Fatality
California OSHA issued four citations and $46,270 in penalties to GreenWaste Recovery, Inc., after a worker was fatally struck by the truck he was operating. Inspectors determined that the company failed to ensure the truck's safety restraint was in working order.
Hawaii Cites Import Company after Fatal Forklift Incident
The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division issued five citations and $70,619 in penalties to Native Imports, LLC, after an unrestrained forklift operator was fatally injured by an overturned forklift. Inspectors concluded that the company failed to train and evaluate workers on the safe operation of forklifts, and allowed workers to operate forklifts without requiring the use of safety restraint systems.
