Nox US LLC now is in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program and must pay a proposed $514,236 in fines after two workers were severely injured.
The incidents, which occurred in June, led to surgery and partial amputations because of unsafe machine procedures.
“When dangerous machines are not properly guarded or de-energized, employees face an increased risk of serious injuries,” said Kim Nelson, OSHA area director, in Toledo. “Employers must monitor their facilities continuously to ensure workplace safety and health procedures are adequate and effective.”
The agency opened an investigation of Nox US LLC, an Ohio manufacturer of luxury vinyl tile, shortly after the two separate reports.
In the first case, a worker required surgery after his hand was crushed in a tile machine. Fewer than two weeks later, another worker suffered partial amputations of two fingers while working on a recycle material system, according to OSHA
The company was cited for failing to use adequate lockout/tagout procedures and devices to prevent unintentional machine movement, failure to train employees and exposing employees to fall hazards.
Nox US LLC has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.