Hose manufacturer fined $390K after worker suffers severe crushing injuries 

An OSHA investigation has determined that HBD/Thermoid Inc. could have prevented the severe injuries suffered by a young worker if the company had followed required safety measures. The industrial rubber hose manufacturer, which has a history of workplace safety issues, failed to follow lockout/tagout procedures at its facility in Ohio. The incident occurred when a 25-year-old worker suffered severe crushing injuries after being pulled into a machine while the powered belts were energized and unguarded. HBD/Thermoid was cited for two repeat violations, one willful violation, one serious and one other-than-serious violation. Because of these violations, the company faces $389,534 in proposed penalties. 

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Todd Jensen said, “This employee suffered preventable injuries because their employer continues to ignore its responsibility to protect their workers. We cited the company for safety violations on the very same machine in March 2023, and they still failed to protect their employees. It’s time for HBD/Thermoid Inc. to make the safety of their employees a priority.”