A plastic manufacturing company in Georgia was recently fined for two separate amputation incidents involving two employees. The incidents, which respectively took place in February and March, sparked an investigation from the U.S. Department of Labor. While this particular incident took place in once specific location, all manufacturers are at risk, highlighting the need for NJ Manufacturing Workers Comp can help to offset liability and financial responsibility.
Two employees suffered permanent injuries when their middle and ring fingers were amputated while attempting to remove blocked material from plastic cutting shearing machines. As a consequence, Primex Plastics Corp. was fined $141,100 last month by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for the two serious health violations. After learning about the first amputation incident, OSHA began an investigation only to discover another similar incident occurred the previous night.
However, these violations proved to be on ongoing issue as OSHA cited Primex’s New Jersey locations for similar issues. Violations included failing to provide workers exposed to high temperatures with protective equipment and for storing together oxygen and acetylene cylinders, according to WorkersCompensation.com.
“Worker safety, not profits, must be a company’s first priority. Unfortunately, it took two amputations for Primex to address known safety hazards at this facility,” stated OSHA director Bull Fulcher.
The total fine was a result of the following citations, as reported by Workers Compensation:
- Failing to provide a hazard free workplace.
- Ignoring procedures to prevent machines from sudden start up during maintenance and service.
- Exposing workers to falls.
- Failing to ensure properly guarded machinery.
- Not implementing protections for workers who are exposed to excessive noise.
While accidents like these are disastrous, Provident Protection Plus Insurance Agency understands the risks involved with the manufacturing industry. We insure various types of manufacturers and offer customizable coverages in order to properly protect your employees and your operations. To learn more about our products and services, contact our specialists today at (888) 990-0526.