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The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) placed a company in Marietta, Ohio on their watch list, according to BusinessManagementDaily.com. An employee death at Refuse Recycling grabbed the attention of the federal agency in March of 2011.
A worker was found dead inside of a drum that is used for recyclables. An OSHA inspection determined that Refuse Recycling failed to use proper “lockout/tagout” procedures. This would have prevented the drum from rotating during maintenance. OSHA originally cited two willful violations resulting in a $186,300 fine. Further inspection uncovered 14 additional serious violations.
It is a shame that it took the death of a worker and a federal investigation for Refuse Recycling to comply with workplace safety laws. OSHA added Refuse to the Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP), which is reserved for the worst offenders.
Do you think this is a fair punishment? There is no bringing back the deceased employee, but do you trust Refuse Recycling to comply with OSHA regulations in the future after so many serious violations? Do you or a loved one hold a high-risk occupation?
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus workers comp attorneys.