New Jersey manufacturer to pay $498,464 in penalties after worker suffers amputation on first day

United Hospital Supply Corp., a manufacturer in Burlington, New Jersey, that produces metal products for hospitals, laboratories and schools, has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program. This action was taken after an employee had three fingers amputated on his first day of work. The worker was using a press brake without required safety guards. After an investigation, OSHA cited United Hospital Supply for three willful violations, 17 serious violations and one other-than-serious violation. The three willful violations included bypassing the press brake’s light curtain, failing to remove and repair an inoperable forklift, and exposing workers to welding fumes above the permissible exposure levels. The company faces fines of $498,464.

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick said, “Despite previous citations and penalties, United Hospital Supply Corp. has ignored its responsibility for protecting the safety and health of its employees. Machine guarding is a basic safety measure for reducing dangerous hazards for machine operators which, in this case, could have prevented a new employee from suffering a traumatic life-changing injury.”