Pallet manufacturer fined $255K for repeatedly exposing workers to amputation hazards

Pallet manufacturer fined $255K for repeatedly exposing workers to amputation hazards

Aug. 7, 2024
The company was cited for lockout/tagout violations in 2012, as well as during subsequent visits in 2014, 2020, and 2022.

An OSHA investigation has determined that M&H Crates Inc. is continuing to expose its workers to amputation hazards. During a follow-up inspection, OSHA investigators learned that the pallet manufacturer has not rectified safety concerns from over a decade ago. The company was cited for lockout/tagout (LOTO) violations in 2012, as well as during subsequent visits in 2014, 2020, and 2022.

In 2022, the company was cited for one willful violation and 12 serious violations. These violations included fall hazards, a lack of worker training on LOTO procedures, unsafe machine operations, and drivers operating forklifts without using seatbelts. M&H Crates now faces $254,527 in proposed penalties.

What people are saying

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Greg Wynn said, “M&H Crates Inc. continues to ignore its legal responsibility to comply with federal workplace safety standards. We will use all measures available to us to hold this company accountable for its continued willingness to expose employees to the serious dangers that exist in manufacturing workplaces.”

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About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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