Wood flooring manufacturer fined $270K for over 30 health and safety violations 

An OSHA investigation has determined that WD Flooring LLC exposed workers to multiple hazards at its Wisconsin mill. The agency claims that the hardwood flooring manufacturer continues to ignore federal safety and health regulations. The investigation, which was conducted as part of the National Emphasis Program for amputation hazards, uncovered failures in WD Flooring’s hearing conservation program, as well as a lack of employee training related to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The company was cited for 28 serious, and six other-than-serious violations. These violations include a failure to implement lockout/tagout procedures, inadequate machine guarding, and failing to provide proper PPE. WD Flooring faces $269,662 in proposed penalties.  

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Robert Bonack said, “Each year, hundreds of workers are injured in manufacturing facilities because their employer fails to implement machine safety procedures and train workers on safe operation. In the last five years, OSHA has opened more than 960 inspections for amputation hazards at Wisconsin employers. All employers must evaluate their worksites and implement safety and health programs that protect workers and ensure a culture of safety on the job.”