A plastics manufacturer’s failure to make sure required safety procedures were followed contributed to the death of a worker who suffered fatal injuries when he became entangled in a rotating part inside a bagging machine while trying to clear a jam. OSHA found that duct tape over the safety interlock prevented the machine from shutting down. The victim was caught by the machine and pulled into its rotating bars. OSHA issued citations to the company for two grouped willful violations, one repeat violation and seven serious violations for the following conditions:
- The absence of adequate machine guarding.
- Not using lockout/tagout procedures to stop machines from operating during servicing and maintenance.
- Not training workers on lockout/tagout procedures.
- Exposing workers to slip and fall hazards from plastic particles and hydraulic fluid leaked on floors.
OSHA proposed penalties of $292,421