.png)
A Cincinnati manufacturer is facing hefty federal fines for safety violations following a workplace injury, according to Cincinnati.com. An employee at Knowlton Manufacturing Co. had his arm amputated after a power press accident. The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspected the facility and cited 10 safety violations, three of which are willful. “Knowlton Manufacrturing has demonstrated a lack of commitment to worker safety by failing to ensure energy sources were isolated and locked out prior to allowing maintenance work on power pressers,” said regional OSHA director Bill Wilkerson.
The willful violations are cited in instances where the employer commits safety violations with knowingly and with disregard for employee safety. These are the most serious violations issued by OSHA. The proposed fines against Knowlton total $111,000. The company has 15 working days to agree to pay the fines or request a hearing. Knowlton did not have any comment following the citations.
There is never an excuse for willful violations. Thankfully, OSHA stepped in an issued this hefty fine. If Knowlton does not change the way it addresses worker safety, an employee can lose their life.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus workers comp attorneys.