2 workers suffer amputations because of unguarded machines, bakeware manufacturer fined $182K
An OSHA investigation has determined that G&S Metal Products Co. could have prevented two workers from being seriously injured if the company had followed proper safety measures. The incidents occurred in June and July of 2024. The first accident occurred while a 37-year-old employee was operating a power press. The press’s pullbacks were not properly secured, and the machine cycled unexpectedly, exposing the operator to hazardous moving parts and leading to an amputation injury. Two weeks later, a 64-year-old worker was attempting to clear scrap from a mechanical power press when the die on the machine closed without warning. It was later determined that the machine lacked adequate guarding and was not locked out to prevent operation during maintenance. The worker suffered an amputation as a result of the accident.
After its investigations, OSHA found that the Cleveland bakeware manufacturer’s machinery lacked adequate guarding. Additionally, G&S Metal Products failed to implement lockout/tagout procedures and did not train its employees in machine safety. The company was ultimately cited for one willful violation and five serious violations and will have to pay $182,293 in proposed penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Howard Eberts said, “These two workers must live with permanent injuries because their employer failed to ensure that adequate guarding was in place. G&S Metal Products Co. Inc. must take immediate action to evaluate and address machine safety across its operations. Employers have an obligation to adhere to basic safety standards to ensure every worker returns home safely.”
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