It's rare for an employer to be charged and sentenced in criminal court for violating the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Amputation Leads to $213,411 in Fines for Ohio Manufacturer

Aug. 20, 2018
ArtiFlex has been placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

ArtiFlex Manufacturing is facing $213,411 in proposed penalties after a worker suffered a partial finger amputation.

OSHA inspected the Wooster, Ohio company and determined ArtiFlex exposed its workers to amputation hazards.

"This employer's repeated failure to adequately guard machine operating parts put workers at risk for serious injuries," said OSHA Cleveland Area Office Director Howard Eberts, in a statement. "Employers are required to install and maintain machine guards to protect workers from amputation hazards."

Because the agency cited the company for similar violations at the same location in 2016,ArtiFlex Manufacturing has been placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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