The recent death of a 38-year-old worker in an industrial accident at a business in Alabama has prompted the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to launch an investigation into the incident. After conducting a thorough investigation, OSHA has announced that the incident could have been prevented with basic safety measures. OSHA has proposed fines totaling $95,981 against Cullman Casting Corp., which operates a foundry in Cullman, Alabama.
According to OSHA, Michael Thompson, a production supervisor at the foundry, was killed on August 23 while attempting to adjust a plastic film on a mold machine that was meant to produce forklift counterweights. The machine cycled, pinning Thompson between the moving components inside. OSHA investigators discovered that Cullman Casting repeatedly exposed workers to safety hazards by failing to de-energize and lockout the automated molding machine during maintenance and cleaning tasks.
The company was cited for six serious violations that led to Thompson’s death. These violations include failing to develop and utilize written lockout/tagout procedures, conduct periodic inspections, ensure employees are trained on lockout/tagout procedures, ensure employees were placing locks when conducting lockout/tagout procedures, and ensuring machine guarding was in place for workers in the pit.
Cullman Casting was notified of the proposed fines on February 29 and has 15 business days to decide whether to comply with OSHA’s findings, request an informal conference or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols and procedures in manufacturing companies to prevent workplace accidents and tragedies.
In conclusion, it is crucial for businesses operating in manufacturing industries to prioritize safety procedures and take necessary measures to prevent workplace accidents and fatalities like this one from happening again. It is also important for workers to be adequately trained on these safety protocols so they can perform their jobs safely without putting themselves or others at risk.
