Worker’s arm is pulled into unguarded machine, causing permanent injuries. Furniture manufacturer fined $275K.
An OSHA investigation has found that Artco-Bell Corp. could have prevented the serious injuries sustained by one of its employees. The incident happened in April 2024 when the worker was using a hose to clean machine rollers at the furniture manufacturing facility. Unfortunately, the hose became caught in the rollers, which pulled the worker’s arm into the machine. As a result, the worker suffered serious and permanent hand and arm injuries. All of this could have been avoided if the manufacturer had installed the required machine guards.
When OSHA inspected the Artco-Bell plant, they noticed a number of violations, including exposing workers to respirable crystalline silica hazards. The company was ultimately cited for 24 serious safety and health violations and will have to pay $257,183 in proposed penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Monica Camacho said, “An employee suffered painful injuries because Artco-Bell Corp. failed to comply with federal requirements for machine guards. Employers are responsible for ensuring their workers are trained to recognize and address workplace hazards, and that safety information is communicated in languages their employees understand.”
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