Thinkstock
Ehstoday 3216 Hyundai
Ehstoday 3216 Hyundai
Ehstoday 3216 Hyundai
Ehstoday 3216 Hyundai
Ehstoday 3216 Hyundai

Lack of Machine Safeguards Leads to Amputation at Milark Industries Inc.

Oct. 24, 2016
Mansfield, Ohio auto parts manufacturer fined $536,000 after OSHA discovers unsafe working conditions.

Multiple investigations has led OSHA to cite Milark Industries Inc. $536,249.

The Mansfield, Ohio manufacturer of parts used by automobile, motorcycle and appliance brands failed to provide adequate machine safe guards which led to an amputation and other machine-related injuries. One of these injuries involved a 22-year-old temporary employee who suffered the partial amputation of two fingers on his left hand on his first day of work.

"Milark Industries continues to create an environment where employees are allowed to bypass machine safety procedures, and are threatened to be disciplined if they don't meet the production quotas,” said Kim Nelson, OSHA's area director in Toledo. “By doing so, the company is creating an unacceptable culture of risk and getting people hurt on the job."

In May 2016, OSHA opened a complaint investigation at the company. A review of injury logs revealed that an employee received a laceration injury on April 22, 2016.

OSHA's May and June investigations cite the company for hazards at both its Baird Parkway and Rupp Road facilities in Mansfield. The agency found that Milark:

  • Failed to lock-out robotic welding cells and tube bender.
  • Bypassed safety interlocks in order to maintain the production rate.
  • Bypassed safety devices while conducting maintenance activities.
  • Failed to train workers in procedures to prevent unintentional machinery operation during service and maintenance, or lockout/tagout.

Proposed citations for Milark Industries Inc. stem from three willful egregious, one willful, and three serious violations of safety standards stemming from multiple investigations of injuries as well as complaints received alleging unsafe working conditions.

OSHA has placed Milark in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

Milark, which employs 150 workers, has been the subject of other recent OSHA inspection activity. In September 2015, a 20-year-old worker suffered a serious injury and in July 2015, a machine amputated three fingers and part of a fourth from the right hand of a 19-year worker.

The company contested OSHA citations issued in both those cases. A December 2016 court date has been set before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

In all, OSHA has inspected the company 10 times since 2007.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!