.png)
Matalco US Inc. in Canton was cited multiple times by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after the agency received an anonymous complaint about fall hazards and unsafe crane operations.
OSHA cited Matalco for numerous fall hazards after inspectors noticed employees working over a 23-foot pit without guardrails or personal fall protections. Employees can suffer broken bones, brain injuries and even paralysis from falls as low as six feet. A fall from more than 20-feet would almost certainly be fatal.
Matalco management also allowed workers to perform their duties standing on aluminum cubes lifted by forklifts. Not only was this improper use of the forklift, it exposed workers to fall hazards of more than eight feet.
The aluminum plant received further citations for failing to remove a broken crane from service, and an overall lack of proper machine guarding. The five total violations amounted to more than $130,000 in fines, but the changes they make could save a life.
Falls kill and injure thousands of employees every year, yet lack of fall protection is one of OSHA’s most frequent citations. Employers know the risk, but they refuse to make the upgrades due to apathy or just plain greed.
Who Is Responsible for Employee Safety?
Management is responsible for the health and safety of its workers. Managers may save a little money when they choose to cut corners, but workers often pay the price.
For more information on workplace safety and the rights of employees, follow Larrimer & Larrimer on Facebook or Twitter. Our attorneys are also available for legal consultations, so schedule your free appointment today.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys