A machine operator was crushed between a rotating winder arm and an equipment frame last July. According to OSHA Regional Administrator Charles Adkins, managers were aware the machine on which the man was working was malfunctioning. He said employees were manually clearing the machine's moving parts without shutting down the machine, a violation of lockout/tagout regulations.
OSHA issued two alleged willful violations and six alleged serious violations against Brentwood Plastics. The agency said the company failed to provide forklift training and certification to operators, and did not guard energized, exposed electrical components.
Brentwood Plastics produces bulk plastic films and employs about 28 workers.
Willful violations are those committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, OSHA regulations. Serious violations are issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.
Brentwood Plastics has 15 days to comply with the citations, request an informal conference with the area director or contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
