An OSHA investigation has determined that Doskocil Manufacturing Inc., which operates as Petmate, failed to follow safety regulations, which led to an employee being severely burned. When the incident occurred, three workers at the company’s Arlington, Texas plant were using a pry bar to break off excess plastic as they cleaned a structural foam machine. Unfortunately, an injection nozzle dislodged, spraying one of the workers in the face with molten plastic, causing second-and third-degree burns.
Over the course of the investigation, the company, which manufactures pet products, was cited for one willful violation and eight serious violations. These violations include failing to provide proper eye protection for employees, not isolating energy sources, and failing to implement safety procedures related to the maintenance and cleaning of various machines. Because of these violations, the company faces $278,851 in proposed penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Timothy Minor said, “When proper safety processes and procedures are ignored, industrial workplaces can be dangerous and unforgiving for employees. Petmate’s failures to comply with federal safety regulations exposed its employees to serious dangers, resulting in one worker suffering severe injuries.”
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